A.Hi5-t6ry  o^j^ij^f 

Mennonite   ConlTererice   of 

Virp-lnia  pjid  Its  Work 


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A  History  of  the  Mennonite  Conference 
of  Virginia  and  Its  Work 


With    a    Brief 
Biographical  Sketch   of  Its   Founders   and   Organizers 


As  arranged  and  formulated  by  a  Commktee 
Appointed    Especially    for    this    Work 


By  the  Conference  Session  held  at  the   War- 
wick River  Church,  May  13th  and  14th,  1910 


Printed  by  the 


MENNONITE  PUBLISHING  HOUSE 
SCOTTDALE  _  _  _  PENN'A. 

1910 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2QQ.9,  vj/^ith  fjynding  from 

Princeton  TnBolbgic^l' Seminary  Library 

.  A4- 


http://www.archive.org/details/historyofmennoniOOmenn 


\i  L^  OCT  11  isin  ^ 

A  History  of  the  Mcnnonite  Conference 
of  Virginia  and  Its  Work 


With    a    Brief 
Biographical  Sketch  of  Its   Founders   and   Organizers 


As  arranged  and  formulated  by  a  Committee 
Appointed    Especially    for    this    Work 


By  the  Conference  Session  held   at  the    War- 
wick River  Church,   May  13th  and  14th,  1910 


Printed  by  the 


MENNONITE  PUBLISHING  HOUSE 
SCOTTDALE  _  _  _  PENNA. 

1910 


s:--.i^^i[i>..aC   >  > 


\      >.  ) 


'}  V  lOJ^^^-Tl  I 


o 


.  *./ 


COMPILER'5  PREFACE— 1910. 

The  subjoined  history  of  "The  Mennonite  Conference  of  Virginia  and  its 
Work,  and  the  Biographical  Sketch  of  its  Founders  and  Organizers"  is  herewith 
given  with  the  view  of  committing  to  imperishable  record  the  simple  yet 
strenuous  lives  of  the  pioneer  Mennonites  who  laid  the  foundation  of  the 
church  in  the  state  of  Virginia  and  made  it  possible  for  establishing  the  con- 
ference as  we  now  have  it — a  precious  heritage — handed  down  by  them  to  us 
through  the  three  or  four  generations  that  have  succeeded  them. 

To  the  present  generation  the  circumstance  seems  remarkable  that  fully 
100  years  of  pioneer  work  in  the  church  had  to  be  passed  over  before  the  minis- 
terial forces  in  Virginia  ripened  into  a  conference.  Yet  when  we  realize  that 
the  trials,  privations  and  hindrances  to  Christian  progress  in  those  early  days 
wiere  perhaps  ten  to  one  to  what  they  are  now,  their  situation  may  be  all  the 
more  appreciated  and  understood.  It  is  evident  also  that  long  before  the  con- 
ference was  organized  in  1835,  that  ministers  and  deacons  frequently  met  far 
consultation  on  vital  subjects  bearing  on  the  common  welfare  of  the  church. 
Besides,  they  were  in  great  part  dependent  through  all  these  years  upon  the 
fostering  care  of  the  Lancaster  Conference  in  Pennsylvania. 

During  this  formative  period,  it  is  known  that  bishops,  ministers  and  dea- 
cons, from  the  very  moment  they  were  called  and  ordained  to  their  respective 
ofifices  felt  most  keenly  the  responsibility  and  obligation  placed  upon  them.  The 
peculiar  environment  of  the  new  country  in  which  they  lived,  together  with  the 
ennobling  qualities  of  character  that  their  calling  enjoined,  caused  them  to 
realize  to  the  fullest  degree  what  it  meant  to  live  and  preach  a  whole  gospel  and 
everywhere  testify  for  Christ  and  his  cause. 

With  such  convictions  as  to  a  faithful  performarfce  of  their  duty,  and  the 
clear  lucid  and  impressive  style  of  the  German  language  in  which  they  ex- 
pounded the  Word  of  God,  could  not  be  otherwise  than  have  a  most  salutary 
effect  upon  the  church  and  its  future  prosperity. 

LEWIS  J.  HEATWOLE,  \ 
■  C.   H.   BRUNK,  \  Committee. 

[  '  CHRISTIAN  GOOD,  \ 


i,.L>tv>,  :  CO- 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

A  REGISTER  OF  BISHOPS 

Who  have  served  within  the  Bounds  of  the  Virginia  Conference. 


Name 

Born 

Ordained 

Died 

Remarks 

Henry    Shank 

Jan. 

1,  1758 

Oct. 

10,  1836 

Henry    Rhodes 

Nov. 

2,  1748 

Mar. 

18,  1827 

Peter    Burkholder 

Aug. 

27,  1783 

1837 

Dec. 

27,  1846 

Daniel    Good 

Nov. 

16,  1781 

Feb. 

1850 

Lower     Dist. 

Michael    Stauffer 

Upper 

It 

Samuel    Shank 

Oct. 

12, 1790 

Feb. 

26,  1863 

Lower 

<( 

John    Geil 

Jan. 

22,  1799 

Oct. 

19,  1889 

Lower 

ti 

Martin    Burkholder 

Feb. 

7,  1817 

Dec. 

18,  1860 

Middle 

" 

Jacob    Hildebrand 

Oct. 

28,  1816 

Feb. 

15,  1899 

Upper 

It 

Samuel  Cofifman 

Jun. 

2,  1822 

Jul. 

1861 

Aug. 

28,  1894 

Middle 

tt 

Abraham    Shank 

Oct. 

16,   1829 

Sep. 

5,  1875 

Jun. 

22,  1901 

Lower 

« 

Joseph  N.  Driver 

Mar. 

14,  1845 

May 

12,  1888 

Aug. 

9,  1890 

Upper 

« 

Anth'y  P.   Heatwole 

Apr. 

23,  1855 

Dec. 

3,  1891 

Upper 

It 

Lewis  J.  Heatwole 

Dec. 

4,  1852 

May 

2,  1892 

Middle 

<( 

Lewis    Shank 

Dec. 

24,  1855 

Aug. 

25,  1901 

Lower 

« 

Joseph    D.    Wert 

Jul. 

22,  1908 

Norfolk 

" 

George  R.  Brunk 

Dec. 

31,  1871 

Warwick 

(( 

A  REGISTER  OF  MINISTERS 
Who  have  served  within  the  Bounds  of  the  Virginia  Conference. 


Name 

Born 

Ordained 

Died 

Remarks 

Michael   Kaufman 

Jun. 

21,  1714 

Dec. 

21,  1788 

Page           Co. 

Jacob    Strickler 

Page             ■" 

Staujifer 

Shenand'h    " 

• Graybill 

• 

Shenand'h    " 

*John  Rhodes 

Aug. 

1766 

Page 

Henry   Funk 

Rocking'm    " 

John    Baer 

Jun. 

22,  1774 

Aug. 

1,  1848 

Rocking'm    " 

Henry    Shank 

Jan. 

1,  1758 

Oct. 

10, 1836 

Rocking'm   " 

Henry    Rhodes 

Nov. 

2,  1748 

Mar. 

18,  1827 

Rocking'm  " 

Peter    Burkholder 

Aug. 

27,  1783 

Oct.    27,  1805 

Dec. 

27,  1846 

Rocking'm   " 

Christ    Coffman 

Greenbrier  " 

John    Fauber 

Augusta        " 

Michael    Stauffer 

Augusta        " 

Abrah'm    Niswander 

May 

19,  1774 

Aug. 

31,  1846 

Rocking'm   " 

Frederick    Rhodes 

Jun. 

13,  1769 

Jun. 

21,  1847 

Rocking'm   " 

Daniel   Good 

Nov. 

16,  1781 

1820 

Feb. 

1850 

Lower     Dist. 

Isaac   Roadcap 

Middle 

John    Shank 

Lower 

Benjamin    Wenger 

Apr. 

28, 1781 

1826 

Feb. 

26, 1865 

Middle       " 

•Killed   by    Indians. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 


Name 


Born 

Ordained 

•       Died 

Remarks 

1820 

Middle 

« 

Oct.    12,  1790 

1846 

Feb.    26,  1864 

Lower 

« 

Jan.    22,  1799 

1840 

Oct.    19,  1889 

Lower 
Upper 

« 

Jul.       6,  1808 

1841 

Oct.      6,  1859 

Middle 

" 

Jan.      1,1802 

Jun.      1,  1889 

Lower 

(( 

Feb.    17,  1817 

Oct.    26,  1839 

Dec.    18,  1860 

Middle 

«. 

(Jul.     25,  1818 

1843 

Apr.      8,  1877 

Middle 

«. 

Dec.    13,  1808 

1844 

Mar.    25,  1867 

Middle 

«. 

Oct.    28,  1816 

1845 

Feb.    15,  1899 

Upper 
Upper 

« 

« 

Al.ay    16,  1820 

Jul.            1849 

May    25,  1899 

Upper 

t(. 

Jun.      2,  1822 

Jul.           1852 

Aug.    26,  1894 

Middle 

"^ 

Jan.    25,  1830 

Dec.    20,  1856 

Nov.   22,  1877 

Middle 

n 

Feb.     9,  1825 

Jan.    26,  1857 

May    10,  1894 

Middle 

" 

Sep.    12,  1822 

Feb.    20,  1876 

Middle 

Dist, 

Feb.    13,  1823 

Jul.     24,  1859 

Dec.      3,  1906 

Winch'st'r    " 

Jul.     31,  1859 

Dec.    14,  1906 

Middle 

" 

1834 

Jul.     31,  1859 

Jan.    12,  1878 

Middle 

" 

Oct.    16,  1829 

Aug.         1864 

Jun.    22,    1901 

Lower 

" 

Jan.    16,  1828 

Apr.  ,  30,    1901 

Lower 

11 

Mar.    14,  1845 

1869 

Aug.      9,  1890 

Upper 

" 

Aug.    12,  1845 

Jul.            1869 

Dec.      6,  1873 

Middle 

(( 

Dec.      4,  1834 

Dec.      5,  1870 

Whisler 

Bre. 

Oct.    13,1819 

1870 

Dec.      6,  1908 

Upper 

Dist.. 

0*ct.    25,  1832 

Jul.     18,  1875 

De.-.    11.  '.905 

Middle 

" 

Oct.    16,  1848 

Jul.     18,  1875 

Jul.     22,  1899 

Middle 

" 

Jan.      4,  1850 

Jul.     15,  1877 

Middle 

(( 

May    24.  1843 

Aug.    18.  1878 

Middle 

" 

Feb.    15,  1847 

Aug.    18,  1878 

Middle 

(( 

Jan.    29,  1831 

Jan.           1874 

Lower 

11 

Feb.  27,   1830 

Sep.      5,  1875 

Jul.     28,  1900 

Lower 

11 

,Sep.    14,  1849 

Jul.     25,  1880 

Sep.    30,  1908 

Middle 

Jun.    13,  1839 

Jul.     25,  1880 

Jul.     14,  1896 

Middle 

(( 

Jun.    26,  1826 

Jun.           1875 

Winch'st'r    "■ 

Dec.  24,  1855 

Dec.    16,  1883 

Lower 

Feb.    14,  1856 

Dec.    16,  1883 

Lower 

Apr.    23,  1855 

Jun.    26,  1887 

Upper 

Oct.    12,  1855 

iJun.    26,  1887 

Oct.      7,  1905 

Upper 

Sep.      3,  1842 

Jun.    26,  1887 

Middle 

Dec.      4,  1852 

Jun.    26,  1887 

Middle 
W.  Va. 

Sep.          -1850 

Jun.           1892 

Winch'st'r    '^ 

Apr.      4,  1840 

Dec.    28,  1890 

May      4,  1909 

Upper 

" 

J^n.      2,  1861 

.Dec.    28,1890 

Upper 

« 

Jan.    26,  1832 

Jan.,      1,  1891 

Whisler 

Bre, 

Dec.    22.  1854 

Jan.       1,  1891 

Whisler 

Bre. 

Oct.      8,  1858 

Jan.    12,  1896 

Lower 

" 

Oct.    14,  1866 

Apr.    14,  1896 

Middle 

Dist. 

Aug.   31,1867 

Apr.    14,  1896 

Jul.       7,  1896- 

Middle 

" 

Apr:    14,  1851 

Aug.   20,1899 

Oct.          1907 

Upper 

« 

David    Burkholder 
Samu6l    Shank 
John    Geil 
Miartin    Kendig 
David    Rhodes 
Daniel    Showalter 
Martin  Burkholder 
John    Weaver 
David    Showalter 
Jacob    Hildebrand 
Abraham  Wenger 
Isaac   Groves 
,^amuel    Coffman 
Jacob  Driver 
Daniel    Heatwole 
Peter    Shoemaker 
Christian    Brunk 
David    H.    Landis 
John    Evers 
Abraham   Shank 
Samuel    Shank 
Joseph  N.  Driver 
Henry    Heatwole 
Gabriel   Heatwole 
Jacob  R.  Hildebrand 
Solomon    Beery 
John    S.    Cofifman 
Abram    Burkholder 
Peter    S.    Heatwole 
Sem.    S.    Weaver 
George  Brunk 
John   Geil 
Jos.   F.  Heatwole 
Abram  B.  Wenger 
Daniel    Mellinger 
Lewis  Shank 
Henry    Wenger 
Anthony    Heatwole 
Jos.  Harshbarger 
Christian    Good 
Lewis   J.    Heatwole 
Jacob   Teats 
Jacob   Bowers 
Jacob    Martin 
Erasmus    Shank 
Simeon  Heatwole 
Emanuel    Heatwole 
Jos.  W.  Geil 
J.  Snively  Martin 
Isaac    B.    Wenger 
Martin   W.   Brunk 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 


Name 


Edw-ard  J.   Berkey 
Daniel   Shenk 
Perry    Shank 
Geo.  W.   Showalter 
Samuel  H.  Rhodes 
Jacob  A.   Heatwole 
Henry    H.    Good 
Joseph    Shank 
Joseph    D.    Wert 
Robert   L.   Smith 
Jos.  W.  Coffman 
J.   Earl   Suter 
Etter  F.  Heatwole 
Elam  Horst 
Henry  B.  Keener 
Gabriel    H.   Brunk 
Amos   D.   Wenger 
Geo.    R.    Brunk 
Jacob    Hahn 
Isaac   D.    Hertzler 
Melvin  J.    Heatwole 
Amos  D.  Heatwole 


Born 

Ordained 

Jun. 

17,  1900 

Sep. 

27,  1853 

Sep. 

30.  1900 

Aug. 

25,   1901 

Sep. 

1857 

Aug. 

25,   1901 

Mar. 

24,  1880 

Jan. 

3,  1902 

Sep. 

28,  1871 

Jan. 

3,  1902 

iJan. 

19,  1850 

Oct. 

30,  1880 

Jan. 

1,  1905 

Sep. 

17,  1905 

1861 

Sep. 

24,  1905 

Feb. 

19,  1857 

Aug. 

11,  1907 

Feb. 

7,  1887 

Aug. 

11,  1907 

May 

8,  1879 

Sep. 

1,  1907 

Dec. 

2,  1906 

Oct. 

10,  1908 

Jun. 

13,  1909 

Nov. 

25, 1867 

Nov. 

11,1894 

Dec 

31,  1871 

Dec. 

10,  1878 

Aug. 

28,  1910 

Jul. 

18,    1879 

Aug. 

28,  1910 

Died 


Remarks 


Oct.    10,  1908 


Fauquier 

Warwick 

Lower 

Lower 

Middle     Dist. 

Middle 

Halifax 

Lower 

Norfolk 

Randolph 

Middle 

Middle 

Upper 

Halifax 

Randolph 

Halifax 

Norfolk 

Warwick 

Warwick 

Warwick 

Middle 

Middle 


A  REGISTER  OF  DEACONS 
Who  have  served  within  the  Bounds  of  the  Virginia  Conference. 


Name 

Born 

Ordained 

Died 

Remarks 

David    Heatwole 

1767 

Apr. 

8,  1842 

Middle 

Dist. 

Anthony    Rhodes 

Mar. 

21.  1789 

May 

4,  1877 

Lower 

(( 

Samuel    Shank 

Oct. 

12,  1790 

Feb. 

26,  1863 

Lower 

<( 

Joseph    Wenger 

Sep. 

17,  1794 

Feb. 

14,  1865 

Lower 

« 

Samuel    Rhodes 

Jun. 

3,  1797 

Jun. 

6,  18.?? 

Lower 

« 

Jacob    Good 

Dec. 

18,  1806 

1853 

Apr. 

28,  '9('(i 

Lower 

(1 

Benjamin  Wenger 

May 

23,1811 

1841 

Jul. 

9,  18S0 

Middle 

« 

Frederick    Weaver 

Feb. 

14,  1820 

1842 

Oct. 

8,  1851 

Middle 

(( 

Fred  A    Rhodes 

Feb. 

22,  1819 

Jul. 

1852 

Feb. 

12,  1900 

Middle 

« 

Peter   Blos«er 

Dec. 

31,  1831 

Jan. 

26,  1857 

Nov. 

23,  1904 

Lower 

« 

John    Groves 

1842 

1865 

Upper 

« 

Peter    Layman 

1842 

Upper 

« 

Jacob    Gell 

Aug. 

31,  1828 

Jul. 

24,  1860 

Lower 

" 

Jacob    Landis 

ijun. 

15,  1823 

Dec. 

1863 

Sep. 

10,  1898 

Upper 

« 

Jac.    R.    Hildebrand 

Oct. 

13,  1819 

Dec. 

1863 

Feb. 

15,  1909 

Upper 

<( 

Simeon    t^catwolc 

Jan. 

26,  1832 

Whisler 

Or'r 

Michael    Shank 

)Jul. 

15,  1829 

Aug. 

18, 1870 

Jun. 

26,  1905 

Middle 

Dist. 

Daniel   H^  Good 

Nov. 

11,1843 

Aug. 

18,.i870 

Jul. 

16,  1895 

Middle 

<( 

VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 


1 

—: — ' — -7 — — — rii.  ■  :  :..'1Hj^^ 

Name 

Born 

Qrdained 

Died 

,  Retnarks 

Daniel    Mellintjer 

Jun. 
Sep. 

26,  1826 
4,  1847 





Winch'st'r    " 

Jacob  W.  Showalter 

Middle         ^'"" 

David  E.  Rhodes 

Jafi'.- 

21,  1883 

Whisler    Or'r 

Christian    Good 

Sep. 

3,   1842 

Jan. 

21,  1883 

Middle    Dist. 

Samuel    Weaver 

Jul. 

24,  1855 

Sep. 

14,  1879 

Mar.     7,  1904 

Upper 

Anth'y  P.  Heatwole 

Apr. 

23, 1855 

Dec. 

27,  1885 

Upper 

Martin  W.  Brunk 

Apr. 

14,  1851 

Dec. 

27,  1885 

Oct.          1800 

Upper           "  \ 

•Chiistian   Shank 

May 

26,  1838 

Sep. 

21,  1884 

Lower          " 

John  Whitiuer 

Winch'st'r    "  ^ 

Faro   Wilkins 

W.    Va.        "  • 

Elias  Brunk 

Jul. 

2,  1856 

Jun. 

14,  1891 

Middle    Dist. 

Reuben    S.    Rhodes 

May 

26,  1858 

Jun. 

14,  1891 

Whisler   Bre.  ' 

Isaac    Groves 

Nov. 

23,  1851 

Dec. 

29,  1895 

Upper      Dist. 

Christian    Ebersole 

Nov. 

11,  1843 

Oct. 

16,  1898 

Winch'st'r    " 

Sam.  M.  Burkholder 

May 

16,  1848 

Apr. 

i6,  1899 

Middle 

Henry   Blosser 

Aug. 

21,  1853 

Apr. 

16,  1899 

Middle 

Henry  L.  Rhodes 

Dec. 

10,  1899 

Fauquier       " 

Timothy  Wenger 

Feb. 

18.  !864 

Sep. 

2,  1900 

Norfolk 

Benj.   Brenneman 

Sep. 

27.  1855 

Mar. 

9,  1893 

-Warwick      " 

David  S.  Geil 

Nov. 

25,  1862 

Jan. 

1,1905 

Lower          " 

John  J.  Wenger 

Nov 

16.  1R66 

Jan. 

1,  1905 

Lower           *• 

Fred  A.  Driver 

Aug 

3.  1870 

Aug. 

6,  1905 

Upper           "  ■ 

Abram   P.   Shank 

Feb 

15,1862 

Jul. 

22,  1905 

Warwick      " 

Osborne  Wyat 

Aug. 

23,  1908 

Randolph     " 

Isaac  W.  Eby 

Norfolk 

Eli    Kauffman 

Jun. 

13,  1909 

Halifax         " 

French  H.  White 

Sep. 

19,  1909 

Rando'h    Mis 

Clayton   G.    Bergey 

Norf'lk    Dist. 

A  REGISTER  OF  DEACONESSES 
Who  have  served  within  the  Bounds  of  the  Virginia  Conference. 


Name 

Born 

Died 

Remarks 

Elizabeth    Rhodes 

Feb. 

10,  1789 

Aug.    23,  1880 

Middle     Dist. 

Magdalena    Rhodes 

Dec 

2,1810 

Mar.    12,  1898 

Middle 

Rebecca  Burkholder 

Mar. 

9. 1821 

Aug.    30.  1900 

Middle 

Elizabeth    H;triman 

Oct. 

11. 1815 

Oct.    11,  1888 

Middle 

Elizab'th    Showalter 

Jan. 

20,   1831 

Middle 

Annie   Brunlc 

Jun. 

6,   1889 

Mar.    19,  1889 

Middle 

Sarah  Sharpes 

Feb. 

3,  1839 

Middle 

Magdalene    Rhodes 

J^;n. 

20,  1820 

Jul.     22,  1884 

Middle 

Susanna   Brunk 

Dec. 

13. 1843 

Middle 

Fannie    Driver 

Mar. 

5.  1846 

Upper           " 

Fannie   Heatwole 

May 

li,  1S?0 

Middle 

Sarah    Coffman 

Dec. 

19,   1859 

Middle 

Marietta    Detweiler 

Oct. 

9,  1866 

Middle 

Elizabeth  Brunk 

Apr. 

19,  1857 

Middle 

Annie    Branneman 

Oct. 

7,  1858 

Warwick      " 

Mattie  Shank 

Lower          " 

^ 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 


NAMES  OF  BRETHREN  FROM  OTHER  STATES  WHO  HAVE  LATER 
■  'BECOME  MINISTERS  IN  THE  VIRGINIA  CONFERENCiE 


Name 

Born 

Ordained 

Died 

Place 

Jacob    Martin 

Apr.      4,  1840 

Dec. 

28,  1890 

•May     4,1909 

Maryland 

J.  Snively  Martin 

Oct.    14,  1866 

Apr. 

14,  1896 

Maryland 

Edward  J.   Berkey 

Jun. 

17,  1900 

Indiana 

Daniel   Shenk 

Sep.    27,  1853 

Sep. 

30,  1900 

Ohio 

Elam  Horst 

Dec. 

2,  1906 

Ohio 

Jacob   Hahn 

Michigan 

Isaac   D.   Hertzler 

Maryland 

Joseph  D.  Wert 

Sep. 

17,  1905 

Pennsylv'nia 

Henry   B.    Keener 

Oct. 

10,  1908 

Maryland 

Amos    D.    Wenger 

Nov.   26,  1867 

Nov. 

11,1894 

Missouri 

Gabriel    H.    Brunk 

Jun. 

13,  1909 

Ohio 

Geo.  R.  Brunk 

Dec.    31,  1871 

Kansas 

NAMES  OF  BRETHREN  FROM  OTHER  STATES  WHO  HAVE  LATER 
BECOME  DEACONS  IN  THE  VIRGINIA  CONFRENCE 


Name 

Born 

Ordained 

Died 

Place 

■Samuel  Weaver 

Jul.     24,  1855 

Sep.   14,   1859 

Mar.    7,    1904 

Penn'a 

Daniel    Mellinger 

ijun.    26,  1826 

Penn'a 

Christian   Ebersole 

Nov.    11,1843 

Oct.    16,    1898 

Penn'a 

Benja'in    Brenneman 

Sep.    27,  1855 

Mar.     9,  1893 

Ohio 

Abram  P.  Shenk 

Feb.    15,  1862 

Jul.    22,    1906 

Ohio 

Eli   Kaufifman 

Jun.    13,   1909 

Missouri 

Isaac  Wi  Eby.-c  :    x. 

s'i  is;" 

Maryland 

Clayton    Ber<?ey 

Penn'a 

Hssrr-." 


NAMES  OF  BRETHREN  FROM  VIRGINIA  WHO  HAVE  BEEN 
CALLED  TO  THE  MINISTRY  IN  OTHER  CONFERENCES 


Name 

Borri 

Ordained 

Died 

Place 

Joseph    Weaver 

1860 

Oron'go,    Mo 

Daniel   F.   Driver 

1860 

Vefsail's,  Mb 

Hcnrv    H     C-)od 

Jan.    19,  1850 

Oct. 

30,  1880 

Oct. 

10, 1908 

Elida,   O. 

Daniel  S.  Brunk 

Jul. 

1,  1888 

■ 

Elida,   O. 

Philip    H.    Parret 

Aug.    30,  1842 

May 

1872 

May 

15,  1905 

Cha'bs'g,    Pa 

Perry    Brunk 

Elida,.  O. 

Samuel  E.  Good 

Jan.    27,  1878 

Jul. 

10,  1904 

Sterling,  111. 

Aaron   G.    Good 

Jun.    25,  1881 

Feb. 

25,  1906 

Sterling,.  111. 

Perry  J.    Blosser 

Sep. 

22,  1907 

S.  Engli'h,  la 

VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  9* 

NAMES  OF  BRETHREN  FROM  VIRGINIA  WHO   HAVE  BEEN 
CALLED  TO   BE  DEACONS  IN   OTHER   CONFERENCES 


Name 

Born 

Ordained 

Died 

Place 

John  C.   Driver 

1892 

Versail's,  Mo 

Henry  G.   Powell 

Elida,   O. 

Daniel   H.  Coffinan 

Apr.      4,  1859 

Mar.     9,  1893 

Elkhart,    Ind. 

Pery    Brunk 

Elida,   O. 

Martin    Blosser 

Apr.    20,  1909 

Conc'rd,    Ten 

Samuel    C.    Brunk 

Feb.      1,  1857 

May    21,  1905 

Elida,   O. 

BRETHREN  WHO  HAVE  SERVED  AS  MODERATOR  IN  THE 
VIRGINIA  CONFERENCE 


Name 

Born 

Appointed 

Died 

District 

Michael   Shank 

Jul.     15,  1829 

Oct.    10,  1870 

Jun.    25.  1905 

Middle 

Joseph  N.  Driver 

Mar.    14,  1845 

Apr.    14,  1886 

Aug.     9.  1890 

Upper 

Samuel  Shank 

Jan.    16,  1838 

Oct.      7,  1887 

Apr.    30.  :900 

Lower 

Daniel    S.    Heatwole 

Feb.     9,  1825 

Oct.     2,  1885 

May    30,  1894 

Middle 

Christian    Good 

Sep.      3,  1842 

May    13,  1892 

Middle 

A.   B.   Burkholder 

Jan.      4,  1850 

May    13,  1904 

Middle. 

BRETHREN  WHO  HAVE  SERVED  AS  SECRETARY  IN  THE 
VIRGINIA  CONFERENCE 


Name 

E 

>orn 

Appointed 

Died 

District 

Fred  A.  Rhodes 

Feb. 

22,  1819 

Feb. 

12. 

1900 

Middle 

Jac.  R.  Hildebrand 

Oct. 

13,  1819 

Apr. 

28,  1864 

Feb. 

15, 

1909 

Upper 

David   H.  Landis 

Oct. 

3,  1884 

Dec, 

14, 

1906 

Middle 

Emanuel   Suter 

Mar. 

26,  1833 

Oct. 

14,  1886 

Dec. 

J6. 

1902 

Middle 

S.   M.   Burkholder 

May 

16,  1848 

Oct. 

5,  1894 

Middle 

Chr.  H.   Brunk 

Nov. 

8,  1845 

M.ay 

11,  1900 

Middle 

SECRETARY'S  PROTEM 


John    R.    Suter 

Feb.    24,  1862 

Oct. 

6,  1893 

Middle 

Amos  D.  Wenger 

Nov.   25,  1867 

Oct. 

7,  1898 

Middle 

Clement  D.  Wenger 

Nov.   23,  1874 

Oct. 

13,  1905 

Middle 

10 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 


NAMES  OF  BRETHREN  WHO  WERE  APPOINTED  AS  SINGING 
CLERK  OR  CHORISTER  IN  THE  VIRGINIA  CONGREGATIONS 


Name 

B 

orn 

Appointed 

Died 

Place 

*Christian    Funk 

Jul.    15,   1857 

Trissels 

Abraham   Funk 

Trissels 

Joseph    Funk 

Dec.  25,   1862 

Brannemans 

Joseph    VVenger 

Sep. 

17,  1794 

Feb.    14,  1865 

Brannemans 

Christly   Funk 

Bank 

]\Iichael     Showalter 

Feb. 

15,  1831 

Oct.    17,  1905 

Trissels 

Abram    Burkholder 

Weavers 

David  A.  Healwole 

Mar. 

9,  1827 

Weavers 

Peter  Shoemaker 

iSep. 

12,  1822 

Feb.    20,  1876 

Hildebrands 

Jacob    Wenger 

Jun. 

4,  1829 

^Jul.  22,  1879 

Brannemans 

Abram  Niswander 

May 

19,  1874 

Aug.    31,  1846 

Pike 

Michael  Shank 

Jul. 

15,  1829 

Jun.    26,  1905 

Pike 

Christian  Good 

Sep. 

3,  1842 

Bank 

Christian   Shank 

Bank 

Samuel  Brunk 

Jan. 

8,  1843 

Weavers 

John   S.   Coftnian 

Oct. 

16,  1848 

Jul.     22,1899 

Bank 

Daniel   H.   Coffman 

Apr. 

4,  1859 

Bank 

Gabriel    D    Rhodes 

May 

27,  1846 

Bank 

Martin   A.   Layman 

May 

22,  1854 

Oct.      9,  1904 

Mt.    Clinton 

Noah   Blosser 

Jan. 

1,1851 

1894 

Mt.   Clinton 

Joseph    Geil 

Oct. 

8,  1858 

1894 

Brannemans- 

Joseph   Shank 

Trissels 

IMartin   Brunk 

Apr. 

14,  1851 

Oct.          1907 

Springdale 

John    H.    Brunk 

Brennemans 

Perry   Blosser 

> 

Pike 

Jacob    Hildebrand 

Hildebrands 

Joseph  H.  Good 

Mar. 

22,  1865 

Bank 

Noah  Showalter 

Zion 

Melvin   Heatwole 

Dec. 

10,  1878 

Apr.   11,1907 

Dry  River 

Joseph    Burkholder 

Jan. 

6,  1882 

Jul.    9,1910 

Pike 

Zebedee  Roadcap 

Gospel   Hill 

•Stricken  while  leading  the  singing  at  church  and  died  before  reaching  home. 


A  GLANCE  IN   RETROSPECT. 

An  analysis  of  the  preceding  tabulated  list  shows  that  from  the  primi- 
tive beginnings  o  f  the  Mennonite  Church  in  Shenandoah  and  Page  Counties 
up  to  what  it  is  at  the  present  time.^the  Virginia  Conference  has  had  asso- 
ciated with  it  seventeen  bishops,  eighty-nine  ministers  and  thirty-six  deacons; 
making  a  total  of  one-hundred-and-thirty-five  persons  who  have  within  the 
period  of  180  years  been  called  of  God  and  set  apart  for  special  service  in  the 
church.  Besides  all  these,  there  have  been  sixteen  sisters  appointed  to  the; 
office  of  deaconess — an  order  recognized  for  100  years  or  more  among  the 
Virginia  congregations,  that  assigns  to  the  sister  so  appointed,  such  duties 
among  the  sisterhood,  that  are  not  suitable  for  a  deacon  to  attend  to. 

When  the  first  conference  was  held  in  1835  the  body  of  the  church  had  one 
bishop,  nine  ministers  and  four  deacons  in  service  where  there  were  six  regular 
places  of  worship — The  Brush,  Branneman's,  Weavers,  Moyers'  (Pike),  Hilde- 
brands  and  Kendigs,  (now  Springdale). 

In  the  year  1840  there  were  three  bishops,  six  ministers  and  three  deacons, 
with  a  possible  membership  of  250,  distributed  to  seven  regular  places  of  wor- 
ship— preaching  then  held  at  the  new  place  called  Crawfords  Chapel.  ' 

In  the  year  1860  there  were  three  bishops,  twelve  ministers  and  six  deacons. 
The  steady  increase  in  membership  through  all  these  years  was  balanced  ofif 
by  yearly  emmigration  of  our  people  to  Ohio  and  other  states  of  the  West. 
There  were  then  eight  places  of  worship. 

In  the  year  1884  there  were  four  bishops,  twenty  ministers  and  twelve  dea- 
cons, with  a  membership  all  told  of  about  600,  who  attended  preaching  at 
eleven  places  of  worship.  These  were  the  Brush  (Trissels),  New  Dale,  Zion 
and  Brannemans  in  Lower  district;  Weavers,  Mt.  Clinton,  Bank  and  Pike  in 
Middle  district;  and  Mt.  Pleasant,  Hildebrands  and  Kindigs  in  Upper  district. 
At  the  present  time,  (1910)  there  are  five  bishops,  25  ministers  and  22 
deacons  (total  52) ;  with  a  membership  all  told  of  1253  and  18  meeting  houses 
owmed  exclusively  by  Mennonites  and  four  others  that  are  owned  jointly  with 
other  denominations. 

It  will  also  be  of  interest  to  the  general  reader  to  note  that  the  Virginia 
Conference  as  a  legislative  body  covers  the  period  of  75  years,  and  embraces  the 
work  of  not  less  than  125  sessions. 

By  looking  over  the  index  of  subjects  treated,  it  will  be  seen  that  in  this 
time  almost  every  possible  phase  of  Christian  duty  and  service  has  been  con- 
sidered and  passed  upon.  The  instances  of  negative  and  positive  action,  being 
rather  in  the  majority  over  all  measures  that  are  of  an  advisory  or  suggestive 
nature,  shows  that  the  conference,  throughout  its  entire  history,  has  proven  it- 
self a  most  valued  safeguard  for  preserving,  if  not  its  primative  purity,  at  least 
the  identity  of  the  Mennonite  church  in  Virginia;  and  future  generations  of  its 
bishops,  ministers  and  deacons  may  profit  greatly  by  making  the,  work  of  their 
predecessors,  a  lifetime  study. 


12  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

A   BRIEF   BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCH    OF   THE   FOUNDERS   AND 
ORGANIZERS    OF   THE   VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE 

The  earliest  authentic  record  preserved  to  the  present  generation  that 
gives  account  of  the  beginning  of  the  Mennonite  church  in  Virginia  and  its 
conference,  is  that  which  appears  with  the  establishing  of  the  Massanutten 
colony  on  the  Shenandoah  river  in  year  1727. 

In  Palmer's  Calendar  of  State  Papers,  Volume  I,  page  219 — 229  as  quoted 
by  Dr.  John  W.  Wayland  in  "The  German  Element  in  the  Shenandoah  Valley," 
pages  72),  41  and  118,  appears  the  name  of  Michael  Kaufifman,  who,  along  with 
seven  others,  signed  a  petition  in  the  year  1733  asking  protectio/i  of  acting 
Governor  Gooch  of  Virginia  in  their  rights  as  landholders  in  the  settlement 
then  known  as  "M'assanuting"  in  Page  County,  Virginia. 

The  said  Michael  Kauffman  is  to  all  intents  to  be  identified  with  the 
minister  of  that  name  who  in  later  years  located  west  of  the  Massanutten 
mountain  in  the  Linville  Creek  section  of  Rockingham  County  and  who,  so 
far  as  known  is  the  first  Mennonite  who  preached  in  Virginia. 

His  remains  now  lie  buried  in  the  old  graveyard  of  the  Lindale  church 
near  Edom,  Rockingham  county,  the  German  characters  on  the  headstone  of 
his  grave  show  that  he  was  born  June  21st,  1714  and  died  December  21st,  1788. 
These  dates  readily  indicate  that  he  lived  in  the  same  generation  with  Adatri 
Miller,  the  founder  of  the  first  German  settlement  in  the  Shenandoah  Valley. 
The  traditional  account  is  also  given  in  Dr.  Wayland's  book,  page  40,  that 
Adam  Miller  and  his  comrades  all  came  from  Lancaster  county,  Pa.,  by  way 
of  Chesapeake  Bay,  crossed  the  country  and  passed  through  Swift  Run  Gap 
in  the  Blue  Ridge  to  the  Shenandoah  River  by  the  same  route  that  Governor 
Spottswood  and  his  cavaliers  came  in  the  year  1716. 

Mention  is  made  of  another  Mennonite  minister  in  connection  with  this 
colony  by  the  name  of  Jacob  Strickler,  who  in  the  year  1731  is  said  to  have 
established  his  home  near  the  site  where  the  town  of  Luray  is  located. 

In  the  year  1754  a  strong  colony  of  Mennonites  located  on  the  North 
Fork  of  the  Shenandoah  river  near  what  is  now  Woodstock.  These  people, 
it  would  appear,  came  here  from  Pennsylvania  by  way  of  the  Cumberland 
Valley  across  the  Maryland  border,  to  Virginia.  Two  ministers  by  the  name 
of  Stauffer  and  Graybill  preached  regularly  here,  while  still  later,  mention 
is  made  by  Samuel  Kercheval,  on  page  91  of  his  book,  "The  History  of  the 
Valley"  of  a  Mennonite  minister,  John  Rhodes,  who  in  the  latter  part  of 
August  of  the  year  1766,  with  four  members  of  his  family — wife  and  three  sons, 
were  killed  by  the  Indians  and  their  home  burnt  to  ashes.  His  daughter 
Elizabeth,  carrying  her  baby  sister  in  her  arms  escaped  to  the  barn  and  later 
by  flight  through  a  field  of  tall  hemp  tO'  the  river  which  she  crossed  in  safety. 
This  awful  tragedy  took  place  on  the  Shenandoah  river  in  Page  county  some 
miles  below  Luray.  The  circumstances  of  the  daughter's  escape,  and  the 
burning  of  the  buildings  by  the  Indians  was  witnessed  by  the  Stauffer  family 
who'  lived  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river. 

In  the  year  1775,  Henry  Funk,  another  Mennonite  minister  reached  the 
Shenandoah  Valley  from  Pennsylvania  and  located  near  what  is  now  Turley- 
towii  in  Rockingham  county,  where  the  first  permanent  colony  of  Menno- 
nites was  established  in  Virginia,  all  the  others  in  Shenandoah  and  Page  coun- 
ties having  in  time  become  extinct. 

The  ministers  Henry  Shank  and  Henry  Rhodes  succeeded  Henry  Funk  in 
the   period   extending   from    1790   to    1800   and   later,    while   John    Fauber   and 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  13 

Michael  Stauffer  served  congregations  established  at  about  the  same  time  in 
Augusta  county, ,  at  Hildebrands  and  Kendigs. 

Up  until  this  time  all  ministers  and  deacons  residing  in  Virginia  appear  to 
have  been  ordained  in  Pennsylvania,  and  it  seems  that  all  matters  of  organiza- 
tion and  oversight  were  vested  in  the  Lancaster  county.  Pa.,  conference:  In 
short  the  church  in  Virginia  was  regarded  but  as  the  southern  arm  extending 
from  the  central  or  parent  body  of  Mennonites  in  America. 

Minister's  visits  from  Pennsylvania  were  frequent,  and  by  the  year  1810 
the  initial  step  looking  to  the  more  permanent  organization  of  the  Virginia 
congregations,  was  made  in  the  installing  of  Henry  Shank  as  bishop. 

David  Heatwole  who  came  to  Virginia  from  Lancaster  county,   Pa.,  in   1794, 

is   regarded   as  the    first  deacon   to   serve   in   Virginia.     Two   other   deacons 

Samuel  Rhodes  and  Samuel  Shank  appear  to  have  lived  closely  contempor- 
aneous with  him. 

On  Good  Friday  April  1st,  1825,  a  dissension  broke  out  in  the  Virginia 
brotherhood  which  in  time  effected  the  entire  church  and  divided  the  ministry 
into  about  two  equal  factions.  As  it  appeared  impossible  to  adjust  the  matter 
of  difference  each  body  claimed  allegiance  to  the  Pennsylvania  brotherhood 
and  yet  both  insisted  that  the  other  had  withdrawn  itself  from  that  body.  Two 

ministers  by  the  name  of Smith  and  Sherrich  reached 

Virginia  with  authority  from  the  mother  church  to  use  what  means  they  could 
to  bring  about  a  reconcilation.  But  it  is  said  that  they  returned  home  without 
accomplishing  the  errand  for  which  they  came. 

During  the  entire  period  of  disunion  which  covered  at  least  five  years,  the 
contest  narrowed  to  the  point  as  to  which  side  could  establish  fellowship  and 
allegiance  with  the  Pennsylvania  brotherhood. 

When  the  second  committee  came,  which  was  composed  of  Bishop  Peter 
Eby  and  three  other  ministers,  it  sat  in  regular  session  at  Weavers  church, 
where  both  sides  were  given  a  hearing.  The  findings  of  the  committee  brought 
out  the  fact  that  one  side,  by  its  attitude  had  virtually  withdrawn  not  only 
from  the  Virginia  brotherhood,  but  also  that  in  Pennsylvania.  With  this  an- 
nouncement the  seceding  ones  were  urged  to  admit  their  error  and  be  recon- 
ciled to  the  church.  They  were  slow  to  accept  this  proposition  and  some  time 
was  spent  in  waiting;  when  at  last  one  of  their  leading  ministers  arose  as 
spokesman  for  the  rest,  and  said :— "Shunst  den  ist  es  uns  schicklich  zu  beider 
Gemeinde  stehn." 

Bishop  Eby  quickly  responded  with:    "Now  sel  is  an  schoner  Foos." 

The  reconciliation  so  long  labored  and  sought  for,  was  from  that  moment 
accomplished  with  little  difficulty. 

That  Bishop  Eby's  visit  to  Virginia  at  this  time  had  a  most  concilatory 
and  lasting  effect  upon  the  Virginia  brotherhood  may  be  better  understood 
when  reading  the  following  extract  taken  from  page  176  of  "Mennonite  Church 
History,"   by  Hartzler  and   Kaufifman. 

"Peter  Eby,  son  of  Christian  Eby,  and  the  first  bishop  of  the  Strasburg 
District,  was  one  of  the  most  conspicious  characters  of  the  church  in  his  day. 
He  was  born  October  14,  1765,  ordained  to  the  ministry  in  1800  and  advanced 
to  the  bishop's  office  not  long  afterward.  He  died  April  6th,  1843.  He  was  one 
of  the  most  eloquent  ministers  ordained  in  the  Mennonite  church,  and  held  his 
congregations  spell-bound  and  profoundly  impressed  all  who  heard  him  preach. 
He  was  an  able  writer,  sound  in  doctrine,  firm  in  discipline  and  earnest  in  con' 
tending  for  the  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints." 


14  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

With  the  church  in  Virginia  once  more  on  terms  of  peace  and  union,  there 
followed  that  stability  of  doctrine  and  unifying  of  forces  in  the  ministry  that 
called  for  a  conference.  This  important  phase  of  church  work  was  finally 
realized  when  on  April  10th,  1835  the  first  conference  convened  at  Weavers 
church  with  the  following  members  present: 

Peter  Burkholder  Daniel  Good 

Abraham  Niswander  Martin  Kindig 

Frederick  Rhodes  Benjamin  Wenger 

David  Heatwole — Deacon 
Absent: 

Henry  Shank,  Bishop  David  Burkholder 

Michael  Stauffer  John  Fauber 

Daniel  Showalter  John  Baer 

Samuel  Shank  and  Anthony  Rhodes — Deacons 

With  the  death  of  Henry  Shank  in  1836  followed  in  time  the  ordination  of 
Peter  Burkholder  to  the  office  of  Bishop.  In  succeeding  years  the  exacting 
duties  developing  upon  the  bishop  in  all  the  congregations  in  Virginia  and 
which  extended  over  such  a  wide  scope,  at  once  suggested  subdivision  of  the 
work  that  it  might  be  shared  by  one  or  two  others.  To  bring  this  about  re- 
quired the  establishing  of  boundary  lines  that  would  divide  the  territory  em- 
braced by  the  conference  into  three  bishoprics.  By  this  arrangement  which 
was  made  in  about  1840,  North  Rockingham  was  called  Lower  District,  South 
Rockingham,  Middle  District  and  the  entire  county  of  Augusta,  Upper  District. 

Through  the  action  of  the  conference  and  the  church,  Daniel  Good  was 
ordained  bishop  for  Lower  District.  Peter  Burkholder,  who  about  three  years 
before  had  been  ordained  bishop  for  the  whole  conference  district,  by  virtue 
of  his  residence,  was  placed  in  charge  of  Middle  District.  The  line  between 
Rockingham  and  Augusta  counties  was  made  the  southern  boundary  of  his 
district  and  the  Hopkins'  Mill  Road  extending  westward  from  Harrisonburg 
formed  the  boundary  between  Middle  and  Lower  Districts.  These  boundaries 
have  remained  unchanged  till  the  present  day,  (1910). 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE  '  MINUTES  JS 

CONFERENCE  PROCEEDINGS 

CONFERENCE,  APRIL,  1835 

Conference  met  at  Weaver's  Church,  on  the  10th  of  April,  1835. 
Ministers  Present:— Abraham  Niswander,  Peter  Burkholder,  Daniel  Good, 
Frederick   Rhodes,   Benjamin   Wenger,   Martin  Kindig. 

Deacons  Present: —  David  Heatwole,  of  Augusta  county,  (those  of  Rocking- 
ham county  not  named). 

The  aged  brethren,  Henry  Shank,  Michael  Staufifer,  and  John  Fauber  could 
not  be  present  on  account  of  bodily  infirmity  due  to  old  age.  Several  others, 
absent  from  other  causes. 

General  Welfare  of  the  Church. — This  was  a  subject  considered  from 
various  standpoints.  It  was  thought  best  to  adhere,  as  closely  as  practicable  to 
the  old  order  of  things,  and,  if  possible,  bring  it  into  more  practical  use. 

Provision  for  the  Poor. — It  is  thought  proper  to  receive  annual  contribu- 
tions from  the  members  for  the  support  of  the  poor  and  needy  members,  etc.,. 
and  it  is  hereby  agreed  that  the  time  of  the  Annual  Conference  be  the  time  for 
this  contribution.  And  it  is  thought  consistent  for  each  member  to  give  a 
mite  cheerfully.  These  collections  shall  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  a  deacon, 
minister  or  a  brother  for  the  common  use  of  t  h  e  church  and  to  be  paid  outonly 
by  the  sanction  of  the  church.  Christ  said,  "Ye  have  the  poor  with  you  always 
and  whenever  ye  will,  ye  may  do  them  good.'"  "Then  the  disciples  every  man 
according  to  his  ability,  determined  to  send  relief  unto  the  brethren  which' 
dwell  in  Judea  which  also  they  did,  and  sent  it  to  the  elders  by  the  hands  of 
Barnabas  and  Saul."  In  1  Cor.  16:1,  2,  we  have  the  following  by  Paul.  "Now 
concerning  the  collection  for  the  saints,  as  I  have  given  order  to  the  churches- 
of  Galatia  even  so  do  ye.  Upon  the  first  day  of  the  week  let  every  one  of  you 
lay  by  him  in  store,  as  God  hath  prospered  him,  that  there  be  no  gatherings 
when  I  come." 

Also  according  to  the  12th  chapter  of  Mark  we  see  that  the  gift  of  two 
mites  by  the  poor  is  more  acceptable  in  the  sight  of  God  than  the  gifts  by  the 
rich  of  their  abundance,  if  given  willingly  and  from  the  right  motive.  "God 
loveth  a  cheerful  giver."  Paul  says,  "whatsoever  ye  do,  do  it  heartily  as  ta 
the  'Lord,  and  not  to  men:  knowing  that  from  the  Lord  we  receive  the  re- 
ward." 

THE  RECORD-LESS  GAP  FROM  1835  TO  1860 

Referring  to  the  Mennonite  conferences  that  were  held  in  Virginia  frotn- 
year  1835  to  1860,  no  records  regarding  them  can  be  found,  and  it  is  highly 
probable  that  none  were  ever  kept. 

It  is  related  by  the  oldest  members  of  the  church  who  are  now  living  that 
bishops,  ministers  and  deacons  came  together  in  conference  at  least  once  a 
year  if  not  oftener,  for  mutual  consultation  and  as  plans  and  measures  were 
adopted  that  effected  the  welfare  and  stability  of  the  church;  they  were  at 
those  times,  perhaps  more  earnest  and  prayerful  than  at  any  other  time  in  their 
lives. 

That  important  measures  vitally  aflfecting  the  well-being  of  the  church  were 
put  in  force  during  this  period  is  apparent  in  a  number  of  instances;  the  first 


16  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

in  connection  with  the  German  language,  which  had  previously  been  used  ex- 
clusively in  time  of  worship.  In  the  face  of  strenuous  opposition  on  the  part  of 
many  well-meaning  brethren  and  sisters,  conference  authorized  the  publi- 
cation of  an  English  edition  of  "The  Mennonite  Confession  of  Faith;"  an  Eng- 
lish Hymn  Book,  as  well  ?ls  the  translation  into  English  of  some  church  litera- 
ture of  which  Peter  Burkholder  was  the  author. 

The  "Burkholder"  Confession  of  Faith  and  his  "Nine  Reflections"  were 
translated  by  Joseph  Funk,  and  combined  with  "An  introduction"  by  himself^ 
into  one  book  which  was  printed  at  Winchester,  Virginia  by  Robinson  & 
Hollis,  in  the  year  1837. 

In  the  meantime,  Joseph  Funk,  Joseph  Wenger  and  Da,vid  Hartman  were 
appointed  as  a  committee  to  arrange  and  compile  a  selection  of  hymns  suitable 
to  the  various  occasions  of  religious  worship  among  our  people.  This  com- 
mittee made  choice  of  about  400  hymns  that  were  classified  under  as  many  as- 
22  different 'heads,  with  the  general  title  of  "Psalms  and  Hymns  and  Spiritual 
Songs."  This  work,  which  also  contained  an  appendix  of  about  40  G^erman 
hymns,  was  printed  at  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  by  J.  H.  Wartman  &  Bro.,  in  the 
year  1847.  This  work  turns  Out  to  be  the  first  English  hymn  book  published 
by  Mennonites  in  America.  It  continued  in  regular  use  in  Virginia  congrega- 
tions for  50  years,  and  with  its  publication  in  1870  at  Elkhart,  Ind.  has  beert 
used  extensively  by  congregations  of  our  people  in  other  states  and  in  Canada. 

Another  instance  is  the  encouragement  and  support  given  by  the  church 
and  conference  of  this  period  to  the  printing  plant  established  at  Singers  Glerv 
by  Joseph  Funk.  He  being  a  great  lover  of  devotional  singing,  his  song  book, 
"The  Harmonia  Sacra,"  which  from  the  year  1835  to  1847  bore  the  very  appro- 
priate title  of  "Genuine  Church  Music;"  in  time  reached  almost  every  Menno- 
nite fireside  in  Virginia.  With  a  work  like  this  introduced  to  the  home  and  the 
singing  class,  there  naturally  came,  long  before  the  days  of  Sunday  Schools  and 
Bible  meetings,  to  the  Virginia  Mennonites,  a  universal  love  for  sacred  song 
that  became  proverbial  not  only  with  the  generation  then  living,  but  served  to 
transmit  it  to  succeeding  generations  of  their  offspring  he?e  and  in  other  states- 
and  has  given  life  and  spiritual  animation  to  the  singing  in  all  their  congre- 
gations. 

It  is  also  observed  that  during  this  period  conference  took  a  firm  stand 
against  the  introduction  of  slavery  in  any  form  on  the  part  of  members  of  the 
phurch — and  the  proposition  advocated  for  several  years  by  s-everal  prominent 
members  of  the  conference  for  establishing  a  General  Conference  for  the 
Mennonites  in  Pennsylvania,  Canada,  Ohio  and  Virginia  would 'indicate  that 
the  Virginia  conference  in  those  early  days  was  maintaining  a  vigorous  stand 
against  the  evils  of  the  time  and  also  entertained  and  put  into  action  some  of 
the  most  advanced  views  that  it,  as  an  ecclesiastical  body,  ever  before  or  since 
had  under  consideration. 

Traditional  accounts  are  given  of  how  each  minister  and  deacon,  when  the 
time  for  conference  arrived,  started  from  home  on  horseback  with  a  pair  of 
saddle-bags  across  his  horse — the  one  side  containing  lunch  for  himself,  and 
the  other  oats  or  corn  for  the  horse.  It  is  said  also  that  at  dinner  time  each 
one  fed  his  horse  and  then  sat  down  at  some  convenient  spot  and  ate  his  lunch 
to  himself. 

"  The  conference  sessions  appear  to  have  been  held  privately  with  only 
bishops,  ministers  and  deacons  present,  and  in  all  cases  where  important  action 
was  taken  the  same  was  later  reported  to  the  church. 

With  the  progressive  spirit  that  appears  to  have  been  manifest  and  the  very- 
important  action  that  was  taken  in  some  of  these  conferences  it  is  to  be  greatly 


IMrginia  conference   minutes  1? 

rfgretted  to'day  tliat  they  w^re  not  made  a  matter  of  record  to  be  preserved 
for  use  in  future  generations  of  the  church.  This  long  gap  in  the  records  can 
be  bridged  over  only  in  part,  by  noting  the  rather  numerous  instances  of  the 
ordination  of  ministers  and  deacons.  Referring  to  the  Registry  of  ministers 
and  deacons,  and  by  following  the  dates  of  their  ordination,  it  is  seen  that  the 
average  from  1835  to  1860  is  about  one  for  each  year. 

CONFERENCE,  APRIL,  1860 

Conference  met  at  Weavers  Church  (Central  District),  April  28th  and 
29th,  1860. — The  following  members  of  Conference  were  present: 

Bishops: — Martin  Burkholder,  John  Geil,  Jacob  Hildebrand. — 3. 

Ministers: — Samuel  Cofifman,  Daniel  Showalter,  Daniel  S.  Heatwole,  John 
Weaver,  David  H.  Landes,  Jacob  Driver,  Benjamin  Wenger,  Peter  Shoemaker, 
Isaac  Grove,  Christian  Brunk,  John  Evers. — 11. 

Deacons:— F.  A.  Rhodes,  Peter  Blosser,  Anthony  Rhoads,  Jacob  Good. — 4. 
ger,  Jacob  Good. — 5. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  19. 

Conference  opened  by  singing,  reading  and  prayer;  after  which  the  bishops 
■delivered  their  accustomed  addresses  upon  the  duties  devolving  upon  them  as 
officers  of  the  church.  These  were  followed  by  remarks  from  other  members 
of  Conference,  ministers  and  deacons. 

*Time  for  holding  Conference. — Decided  that  the  time  for  holding  Confer- 
.ences  be  as  follows:  The  first  Friday  and  Saturday  of  April,  and  the  first 
Friday  and  Saturday  in  September  of  each  year;  and  that  the  Sacrament  of 
the  Lord's  Supper  be  administered  on  the  following  Sabbath  at  the  same  place. 
That  the  Conferences  be  held  in  the  three  Districts  alternately. 

CONFERENCE,  SEPTEMBER,  1860 

Conference  met  at  Trissel's  Church  (Lower  District),  September  2Sth  and 
29th,  1860,  with  the  following  members  present: 

Bishops: — Martin  Burkholder,  John   Geil,  Jacob   Hildebrand. — 3. 

Ministers: — Samuel  Coffman,  Daniel  S.  Heatwole,  Jacob  Driver,  John 
Evers,   Isaac  Grove,   Peter  Shoemaker,   Daniel   Showalter,  Christian   Brunk. — 8. 

Deacons: — F.  A.  Rhodes,  Peter  Blosser,  Anthony  Rhodes,  Jacob  Good. — 4. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  15. 

Conference  opened  in  the  usual  way,  singing,  prayer,  etc. 

The  following  subjects  were  considered: 

Law  Suits. — Decided  that  it  is  inconsistent  with  the  word  of  God  for  a 
brother  to  engage  in  a  lawsuit,  hence  any  brother  thus  engaged  thereby  severs 
himself  from  the  privileges  of  the  communion. 


*This  is  the  earliest  record  we  have  referring  to  the  conference  as  holding  its  sessions  semi- 
annually. It  is  not  known  whether  in  time  previous  to  this  if  its  sessions  were  held  more 
than   once  a   year  or   not. 

This  conference  also  makes  mention  of  the  arrangements  that  were  made  for  holding 
communion  in  connection  with  the  conference,  and  that  its  sessions  should  be  held  in  each 
of  the  three  districts  in  the  regular  order  of:  1st,  Upper  district;  2nd,  Middle  district  and 
3rd,  Lower  district.  This  order  has  been  continued  up  until  the  present  year,  (1910);  except 
in  May  of  this  year  when  the  conference  met  in  the  Warwick  River  district,  and  for  the 
first  time  in  all  its  history,  that  a  session  was  held  outside  the  Shenandoah  Valley.  There 
are  the  instance  of  two  conferences,  that  of  October  1884,  being  held  at  the  Kernstown 
church  in  the  Winchester  district,  and  another  in  October   1890. 


18  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

♦Singing  in  Church. — Will   it   be  allowed  to  hold   singing  schools   in   our 
churches?    Passed  that  each  district  decide  as  may  seem  best  to  them. 
Conference  closed  by  singing  and  prayer. 

CONFERENCE,  APRIL,  1861 

Conference  at  Hildebrands  Church  (Upper  District),  April  27th  and  28th, 
1861.    Brethren  present: 

Bishop: — John  Geil,  Jacob  Hildebrand. — 2. 

Ministers. — Isaac  Grove,  Peter  Shoemaker,  Samuel  Coffman,  Daniel  S. 
Heatwole,    Christian    Brunk,    David    H.    Landes,   John   Evers. — 7. 

Deacons: — F.  A.  Rhodes,  Peter  Blosser,  John  Grove. — 3. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  12. 

Conference  opened  in  the  usual  way  with  singing  and  prayer. 

fCall  for  Bishop. — Decided  that  a  bishop  be  ordained  in  Central  district 
to  fill  the  vacancy  occasioned  by  the  death  of  our  lamented  Bishop  Martin 
Burkholder. 

Call  for  Minister  and  Deacon. — Bishop  John  Geil,  asked  permission  to  ordain 
a  minister  and  deacon  in  his  (Lower)  district.  Granted. 

*sThe  War. — It  will  be  noticed  that  this  was  just  about  the  time  that  the 
political  world  was  very  much  disturbed,  hence,  we  find  no  record  of  any  other 
conference  being  held  until  April,  1863. 

CONFERENCE,  APRIL,  1863 

Conference  met  at  Bank  Church  (Central  District),  April  25th  and  26th, 
1863.     Members  present: 

Bishops: — John  Geil,  Jacob  Hildebrand,  Samuel  Coffman. — 3. 

Ministers: — Benjamin  Wenger,  Daniel  Showalter,  Isaac  Grove,  Daniel  S. 
Heatwole,  David  H.  Landes,  Jacob  Driver,  John  Weaver,  Christian  Brunk,  A. 
Shank,  John  Evers. — 10. 


•These  singing  schools  were  made  up  at  first  principally  by  children  and  young  people,  but  in 
time  the  love  of  sacred  song  became  so  general  that  parents  and  older  people  joined  with  the 
young  in  these  meetings  which  were  conducted  by  some  one  familiar  with  the  rudiments  of 
music.      The   meetings  being  usually   opened   and   closed  with  prayer   added   much   to   giving 

all   due   religious   sanctity    to   the   exercises. 

It  appears  that  much  of  the  congregational  singing  previous  to  this  consisted  only 
in  the  use  of  the  melody.  It  was  not  until  the  introduction  of  the  singing  schools  that  the 
harmony  of  parts — such  as  bass  and  tenor — came  into  general  use  with  the  melody  or  leading 
part. 

tin  the  death  of  Bishop  Martin  Burkholder  the  church  in  Virginia  lost  a  strong  pillar.  He  died 
at  the  age  of  43  years,  10  months  and  11  days,  in  the  midst  of  a  life  of  great  usefulness  to 
the  church,  though  having  been  bishop  of  Middle  district  for  the  comparatively  short  period 
of  about  nine  years. 

**That  no  conference  were  held  for  some  years  after  April  1861  is  in  great  part  accounted  for 
because  of  the  Shenandoah  Valley  being  very  much  overrun  by  contending  armies.  Whole 
battalions  of  soldiers  were  quartered  for  indefinite  periods  upon  grounds  at  or  near  the 
places  of  worship  used  by  our  people  and  in  some  instances  the  church  buiiding  itself  was 
used  as  a  commissary   store  by  the  troops. 

In  other  instances  public  worship  was  disturbed  or  broken  up  by  reason  of  the  real  or 
imaginary   approach   of   soldiers. 

Fathers  and  sons  were  much  away  from  home,  either  refugeeing  in  northern  and  western 
states,  or,  in  looking  after  their  stock,  which  was  frequently  removed  to  the  mountains  or 
wooded  sections  of  the  country,  for  greater  safety. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  19 

Deacons: — F.  A.  Rhodes,  Peter  Blosser,  Benjamin  Wenger,  Jacob  Geil. — • 
4. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  17. 

Conference  opened  with  singing,  reading,  and  prayer;  followed  by  ad- 
dresses from  the  bishops,  ministers  and  deacons. 

The  following  subjects  were  now  introduced: 

Call  for  Minister. — Bishop  Geil  asked  permission  to  ordain  a  minister  in 
the  Lower  district.     Unanimously  consented. 

Family  Worship  was  spoken  of,  and  was  thought  proper  to  urge  the 
brethren  to  observe  it,  especially  the  ministers  and  deacons. 

*Applicants. — Persons  applying  to  our  Church  for  membership,  who  are  at 
the  same  time  members'  of  some  other  church,  shall  be  required  to  bring  certi- 
ficate of.  standing  in  such  church,  and  if  any  of  our  members,  desiring  to  unite 
with  some  other  church,  should  apply  to  our  bishop  for  certificate  of  standing 
in  the  Church,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  bishop  to  give  such  certificate. 

Record  of  Members. — Decided  that  it  be  the  duty  of  bishops  to  keep  re- 
cords of  members  of  their  respective  districts. 

Members  not  at  Counsel  Meeting. — Decided  that  it  be  the  duty  of  the  dea- 
cons to  visit  all  members  who  do  not  attend  the  Coimsel  meetings,  hence. 
Counsel  meetings  shall  be  held  in  time  so  that  the  deacons  may  make  such 
visits  before  Conference. 

Certificates  from  Strange  Members. — Decided  that  we  require  certificate  of 
good  standing,  before  receiving  to  our  Communion  strange  members  from 
other  districts. 

Members  moving  to  other  Districts. — Decided  that  a  member  moving  from 
one  district  to  another  be  required  to  bring  a  certificate' of  standing  from  his 
former  bishop  or  minister. 

Complaints  at  Counsel  Meeting. — Decided  that  no  complaints  be  received  at 
Counsel  meeting  unless  the  member  bringing  complaint  has  complied  with 
Matt.  18:15,  16. 

CONFERENCE,  SEPTEMBER,  1863 

Conference  met  at  Trissels  Church  (Lower  District),  September  25th  and 
26th,  1863.  The  following  members  were  present: 

Bishops: — Jacob   liildebrand,   Samuel   Cofifman,  John   Geil. — 3. 

Ministers: — Daniel  Showalter,  Daniel  S.  Heatwoie,  Christian  Brunk,  John 
Evers,  Isaac  Grove,  Abraham  Shank,  David  H.  Landes. — 7. 

Deacons: — F.    A.    Rhodes,    Benjamin    Wenger,    Jacob    Geil,    Anthony    Roads, 
Jacob  Good,  Peter  Blosser. — 6. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  16. 

Conference  opened  as  usual,  by  reading,  singing  and  prayer. 

Call  for  Ministers  and  Deacons. — Bishop  Hildebrand  asked  permission  to 
ordain  two  ministers  and  two  deacons  in  the  Upper  district.     Granted. 

Single  Brother  for  Minister, — May  a  single  brother  be  taken  into  the  lot 
for  minister?  Answered.  He  may  if  the  congregation  be  satisfied  with  the 
brother. 

Conference  closed  with  prayer  and  singing. 


'Exceptions  to  this  regulation  taken  later   in  cases  where  denominations   refuse   the   granting  of 
certificates  to  such  of  their  members  who  desire  to  unite  with  the  Mennonite  Church. 


2Q  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

CONFERENCE,  APRIL,  1864 

Conference  met  at  Hildebrands  Church  (Upper  District),  April  28th  and 
29th,  1864.     Members  present: 

Bishops: — Jacob  Hildebrand,  John  Geil,  Samuel  Coffman. — 3. 

Ministers: — Jacob  Driver,  Peter  Shoemaker,  Christian  Brunk,  David  H. 
Landes,  John  Evers,  Isaac  Grove,  D.  S.  Heatwole,  Abraham  Shank. — 8. 

Deacons: — Peter  Blosser,  Jacob  Geil,  Jacob  Landes,  Jacob  R.  Hildebrand, 
F.  A.  Rhodes.— 5. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  16. 

Conference  opened  as  usual. 

Secretary. — On  motion  Jacob  R.  Hildebrand  was  appointed  Secretary. 

Suggested  by  Bishop  J.  Hildebrand  that  all  the  ministers  and  .deacons 
give  words  of  admonition,  and  that  F.  A.  Rhodes  designate  the  order  in  which 
they  are  to  speak. 

Call  for  Minister. — Bishop  John  Geil  asked  permission  to  ordain  a  minister 
in  the  Lower  District.  Granted. 

Call  for  Minister. — Bishop  Hildebrand  asked  permission  tO'  ordain  a  minis- 
ter in  the  Upper  District.     Granted. 

Call  for  Deacon. — Bishop  CofTnian  asked  permission  to  ordain  a  deacon  in 
the  Central  District.     Granted. 

^Hiring   Slaves. — The   subject   of   hiring   slaves   was   introduced  by   Bishop 

Geil.     Decided  that  inasmuch  as  it  is  against  our  creed  and  discipline  to  own  or 

.  traffic  in  slaves;  so  it  is  also  forbidden  for  a  brother  to  hire  a  slave  unless  such 

slave  be  entitled  to  receive  the  pa3^  for  such  labor  by  the  consent  of  his  owner. 

But  where  neighbors  exchange  labor,  the  lal^or  of  slaves  may  be  received. 

Time  of  Conference  changed. — On  motion  of  Jacob  Driver  it  was  agreed 
to  change  the  time  for  meeting  of  conference  from  the  present  to  the  last  Fri- 
day in  March,  and  in  August. 

Conference  closed. 

CONFERENCE,  AUGUST,  1864 

Conference  met  at  Weavers  Church,  August  26th  and  27th,  1864.  Alembers 
present: 

Bishops: — Jacob    Hildebrand,    John    Geil,    Samuel    Coffman. — 3. 

Ministers: — Daniel  Showalter,  Isaac  Grove,  Peter  Shoemaker,  Christian 
Brunk,  Abraham  Shank,  Daniel  S.  Heatwole,  Samuel  Shank,  Jacob  Driver, 
David  H.  Landes,  John  Evers,  John  Weaver. — 11. 

Deacons: — Benjamin  Wenger,  F.  A.  Rhodes,  Peter  Blosser,  Jacob  Geil, 
Jacob   R.   Hildebrand,   Simeon   Heatwole. — 6. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  20. 

Pride. — After  the  usual  prelimaries,  the  subject  of  pride  was  spoken  upon 
to  a  considerable  extent.  Deecided  that  inasmuch  as  pride  has  become  to  be 
such  a  formidable  evil,  and  is  manifesting  itself  in  so  many  ways  it  is  important 
that  members  guard  against  it  as  much  as  possible. 

Amusements. — This  conference  being  aware  that  the  so-called,  innocent 
amusements  indulged  in  by  the  young  at  apple-cuttings  and  butter-boilings,  are 


•Some  individual   cases  point  to  the  fact  that  long  before  this,   decided  action  had  already  been 
taken  on  the  question  of  slavery  by  the  Virginia  conference. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  21 

indulged  in  to  excess.    Hence  we  do  earnestly  recommend  that  parents  suppress- 
these  things  as  much  as  possible. 
Conference  closed. 

CONFERENCE,  MARCH,  1865 

Conference  in  session  at  Brannemans  Church,  March  31st  and  April  1st, 
1865.     Members  present: 

Bishops: — John  Geil,  Samuel  Cofifman. — 2. 

Ministers: — Daniel  Showalter,  Isaac  Grove,  Peter  Shoemaker,  Daniel  S. 
Heatwole,  John  Evers,  Abraham  Shank,  Jacob  Driver,  Samuel  Shank. — S. 

Deacons: — F.  A.  Rhodes,  Peter  Blosser,  Jacob  Geil,  Anthony  Roads,. 
Simeon  Heatwole. — 5. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  15. 

Call  for  Bishop. — The  only  matter  upon  record,  considered  at  this  confer- 
ence was  that  Bishop  Geil  feeling  his  inability  through  age  and  feebleness,  de- 
sired a  bishop  to  be  ordained  in  his  (^ Lower)  District.     Not  granted. 

CONFERENCE,  AUGUST,  1865 

Conference  convened  at  Hildebrands  Church  (Upper  District),  August 
26th  and  27th,  1865.     Members  present: 

Bishops: — Jacob    Hildebrand,    John    Geil,    Samuel    Cof¥man. — 3. 

Ministers: — Jacob  Driver,  John  Weaver,  Christian  Brunk,  Abraham  Shank,. 
John  Evers,  Isaac  Grove,  Peter  Shoemaker. — 7. 

Deacons: — Jacob  R.  Hildebrand,  F.  A.  Rhodes,  Benjamin  Wenger,  Jacob 
Geil,  Jacob  Landes. — 5. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  I\Iinisters  and  Deacons  15. 

Preliminaries  as  usual. 

Pride. —  The  subject  pride  was  commented  upon  at  length  and  Conference 
unanimously  resolved  to  guard  against  pride,  and  the  fashions  in  their  various 
forms  and  keep  them  out  of  the  Church  as  much  as  possible.  They  are  certainly 
a  great  evil,  and   should   not  be  tolerated. 

Query. — Will  our  Church  receive  to  its  membership,  without  re-baptizing, 
a  person  who  was  baptized  in  an  adult  state  by  a  minister  who  was  himself 
baptized  in  infancy  only?  Considered  and  deferred  for  consideration  in  a  fu- 
ture Conference. 

Nothing  further  on  record. 

CONFERENCE,  MARCH,  1866 

Conference  convened  at  the  Bank  Church  (Central  District),  March  30th 
and  31st,  1866.  Members  present  as  follows: 

Bishops: — Jacob  Hildebrand,  Samuel  Cofifman,  John  Geil. — 3. 

Ministers: — Christian  Brunk,  A.  Shank,  S.  Shank,  J.  Driver,  D.  S.  Heatwole,. 
D.  H.  Landes,  J.  Evers,  J.  Weaver,  I.  Grove,  P.  Shoemaker. — 10. 

Deacons: — F.  A.  Rhodes,  J.  Geil,  B.  Wenger,  S.  Heatwole,  J.  Landes,  J, 
Good. — 6. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  19. 

Exhortations,  Etc, — Aside  of  the  usual  introductory  service  the  following  is 
about  the  substance  of  what  is  recorded  of  the  proceedings  of  this  Conference. 


22  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

Personal  Difficulties. — The  subject  of  personal  difficulties  was  discussed. 

Family  Worship. — The  subject  of  family  worship  was  seriously  considered, 
and  feelingly  recommended  as  a  duty  developing  upon  the  heads  of  all  families, 
and  also  strenuously  to  guard  against  the  sin  of  pride.    Conference  adjourned. 

CONFERENCE,  AUGUST,  1866 

Conference  convened  at  Trissels  Church  (Lower  District),  August  31st 
and  September  1st,  1866.    Members  present  as  follows: 

Bishops: — Jacob  Hildebrand,  Samuel  Coffman,  John  Geil. — 3. 

Ministers:— C.  Brunk,  A.  Shank,  S.  Shank,  J.  Driver,  D.  S.  Heatwole,  D.  H. 
Landes,  J.  Evers,  J.  Weaver,  I.  Grove,   P.  Shoemaker. — 10. 

Deacons:— F.  A.  Rhodes,  J.  Geil,  B.  Wenger,  S.  Heatwole,  J.  Good,  P. 
Blosser,  A.  Roads.— 7. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  20. 

The  following  subjects  are  recorded  as  considered  by  this  conference. 

Suing  at  Law. — It  is  hereby  decided  that  suing  at  law  is  contrary  to  the 
Word  of  God  under  all  circumstances.  Hence,  members  having  financial  diffi- 
culties shall  have  them  adjusted  by  arbitrators. 

Voting. — Agreed  that,  we  recommend  to  our  brethren  to  take  no  part  in 
politics,  but  if  brethren  desire  to  vote  let  them  do  so  peaceably  and  quietly. 

Conference  adjotirned. 

CONFERENCE,  MARCH,  1867 

Conference  convened  at  Hildebrands  Church  (Upper  District),  ]\Iarch  28th 
and  29th,  1867.     Brethren  present: 

Bishops: — Samuel  Cofifman,  J.   Geil,  J.  Hildebrand. — 3. 

Ministers: — I.  Grove,  P.  Shoemaker,  D.  S.  Heatwole,  J.  Weaver,  D.  H. 
Landes,  J.  Evers,  J.  Driver,  A.  Shank,  S.  Shank. — 9. 

Deacons: — P.  Blosser,  F.  A.  Rhodes,  J.  R.  Hildebrand,  J.  Landes. — 4. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  16. 

*First  Work  of  Conference. — The  first  work  of  all  our  Conferences  is  for 
the  brethren  to  bring  sort  of  report  of  their  past  labors  and  experiences, 
acknowledging  their  short  comings  and  imperfections,  and  forming  new  reso- 
lutions to  be  more  faithful  in  keeping  house  according  to  the  pattern  laid  down 
by  Christ  and  his  apostles.  And  as  there  was  no  business  of  special  importance 
before  this  Conference,  the  time  was  occupied,  chiefly,  by  the  bishops,  who  de- 
livered rich  admonitions  touching  the  duties  of  those  who  profess  to  be  the 
followers  of  Christ. 

Time  of  Holding  Conference  Changed. — The  time  of  holding  Conference  was 
again  changed  to  meet  on  last  Friday  in  April,  and  in  September  of  each  year. 

Conference  closed. 

CONFERENCE,  SEPTEMBER,  1867 

Conference  convened  at  Weavers  Church  (Central  District),  September 
27th  and  28th,  1867.     Members  present: 


•With  this  conference  we  have  the  earliest  account  of  all  members  of  the  body  taking  part  in 
what  has  ever  since  been  known  as  the  "opening  part"  of  conference.  Previous  to  this  it 
appears  that  the  bishops  occupied  all  this  time. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  23 

Bishops: — J.  Hildebrand,  J.  Geil,  S.  Cofifman  and  J.  M.  Brenneman,  of  Allen 
County,  Ohio. — 4. 

Ministers: — D.  STiowaker,  C.  Brunk,  S.  Shank,  A.  Shank,  D.  S.  Heatwole, 
J.  Driver,  D.  H.  L-andes,  J.  Evers,  J.  Weaver,  P.  Shoemake.-,  I.  Grove,  Jacob 
Andrews,  of  Lancaster,  Pa.,  Michael  Horst,  of  Md.,  and  Peter  Basinger,  of 
Mahoning  county,  Ohio. — 14. 

Deacons: — B.  Wenger,  J.  Good,  S.  Heatwole,  P.  Blosser,  J.  R.  Hildebrand, 
J,  Geil,  F.  A.  Rhodes,  J.  Landes.— ^. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  26. 

Conference  opened  as  usual.     Subjects  considered. 

Suspending  a  Member. — Can  a  member  be  suspended  from  the  church  un- 
less it  be  for  a  gross  sin,  or  a  sin  unto  death,  without  being  first  visited,  or 
getting  consent  of  the  church?     Decided  that  he  cannot. 

Official  Notice  of  Suspension. — When  a  member  is  suspended  or  excom- 
municated, should  he  be  officially  notified  of  the  action  of  the  church?'  Decided 
that  he  should. 

Visiting  Weak  Churches. — The  subject  of  visiting  weak  churches  was  con- 
sidered. Decided  that  it  be  the  duty  of  the  ministering  brethren  to  vj-.it  the 
weak  churches  more  frequently.      *      *      *  Conference  closed. 

CONFERENCE,  APRIL,  1868 

Conference  met  at  Brannemans  Church  (Lower  District),  April  25th,  1868. 
Members  present: 

Bishops:— J.  Geil,  J.  Hildebrand,  S.  Coffman.— 3. 

Ministers:^D.  S.  Heatwole,  J.  Driver,  C.  Brunk,  S.  Shank,  A.  Sha'ik,  ]).  H, 
Landes,  J.  Evers. — 7. 

Deacons:— F.  A.  Rhodes,  J.  Geil. — 2. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  12. 

*This  Conference. — The  attendance  at  this  conference  for  :;omc  cause,  not 
stated,  was  small.  Records  show  that  many  things  were  considered  but  no 
definite  action  taken  upon  any. 

CONFERENCE,  SEPTEMBER,  1868 

Conference  met  at  Hildebrands  Church  (Upper  District),  September  25th 
and  26th,  1868.       Members  present: 

Bishops: — Jacob  Hildebrand,  Samuel  Coffman. — 2. 

Ministers: — D.  Showalter,  C.  Brunk,  J.  Evers,  D.  S.  Heatwole,  J.  Driver,  J. 
Weaver,  D.  H.  Landes,  I.  Grcve,  P.  Shoemaker. — 9. 

Deacons: — -F.  A.  Rhodes,  S.  Heatwole,  J.  R.  Hildebrand,  J.  Landes. — 4. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,   Ministers  and   Deacons   15. 

Suing  at  Law. — This  conference  decided  that  members  'Suing  at  law  do 
thereby   excommunicate   themselves   from   the   communion. 

Vanities  Disapproved. — This  conference  expressed  its  emphatic  disapproval 
of  the  various  vanities  indulged  in  at  this  age,  such  as  shows,  picnics,  etc. 

Conference  closed. 


•This  unusual  absence  of  memhers  of  conference  is  accounted  for  because  of  sickness  and  death 
in  several  families  at  that  time  in  both  Middle  and  IvOwer  districts. 


24  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

"CONFERENCE,  APRIL,  MAY,  1869 

Conference  convened  at  the  Bank  Church,  (Central  District),  April  30th 
and  May  1st,  1869.     Members  present: 

Bishops: — J.  Hildebrand,  J.  Geil,  S.  Coffman. — 3. 

Ministers: — D.  Showalter,  J.  Weaver,  D.  S.  Heatwole,  P.  Shoemaker,  J. 
Driver,  C.  Brunk,  S.  Shank,  J.  Evers,  D.  H.  Landes,  A.  Shank.— 10. 

Deacons: — F.  A.  Rhodes,  J.  Geil,  P.  Blosser,  S.  Heatwole,  B.  Wenger. — 5. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  18. 

Call  for  Ministers. — Bishop  Coffman  asked  permission  to  ordain  a  minister 
in  Central  District.    It  was  granted. 

*Our  Ministers,  whom  to  unite  in  Matrimony. — The  rules  of  our  church  have 
always  been  that  our  ministers  were  not  allowed  to  celebrate  the  rite  of 
matrimony  between  parties  not  members  of  our  church.  Application  was  made 
to  conference  to  have  that  rule  changed.     It  was  considered  and  dismissed. 

Life  Insurance. — Life  insurance  was  considered  and  decided  that  no  mem- 
.ber  be  allowed  to  take  a  life  insurance  policy. 

Conference  closed  as  usual  with  singing  and  prayer. 

CONFERENCE,  SEPTEMBER,  1869 

Conference  at  Trissels  Church  (Lower  District),  September  24th  and  25th, 
1869.     Members  present  as  follows: 

Bishops: — S.  Coffman,  J.  Hildebrand,  J.  Geil. — 3. 

Ministers. — D.  Showalter,  J.  Weaver,  D.  S.  Heatwole,  J.  Driver,  J.  Evers,  D. 
H.  Landes,  C.  Brunk,  S.  Shank,  A.  Shank,  J.  M.  Holdeman,  of  Bucks  county, 
Pa.,  Abel  Horning,  of  Pennsylvania. — 11. 

Deacons:— J.  Good,  J.  Geil,  F.  A.  Rhodes.— 3. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons   17. 

Conference  opened  with  singing  and  prayer. 

Calls  for  Minister. — Bishops  Coffman  and  Geil  each  asked  permission  to 
ordain  a  minister  in  his  district.     Granted. 

Call  for  Minister  and  Deacon. — Bishop  Hildebrand  then  asked  permission 
to  ordain  a  minister  and  deacon  in  his  district.     Granted. 

Sunday  Schools. — The  subject  of  holding  Sunday  Schools  was  considered 
and  passed.     Subject,  however,  to  the  decision  of  the  Church. f 

Reporting  a  Thief. — Is  it  right  to  report  a  thief  to  the  civil  authorities?** 
Decided  it  is  not.  (error) — See  foot  note  and  conference  of  May  8,  1885.    • 

Stay  Law. — Is  it  right  for  a  brother  to  use  the  Stay  law.^'  Decided  it  is 
not. 

Conference  adjourned. 


•Reference  is  here  made  to  a  regulation  that  forbids  ministers  from  performing  a  marriage 
ceremony  for  parties  who  were  not  members  of  the  church.  It  may  be  possible  that  the 
word  bishops  is  here  meant,  as  it  had  always  been  the  rule  that  none  other  than  a  bishop 
performed  marriage  ceremonies,  and  that  only  for  members  of  the  church. 

■fSunday   Schools  subsequently  ratified  by  the   Church. 

♦""Is  it  right  for  a  member  of  Christ's  Church  to  volunteer  as  a  police  officer  to  arrest  a  thief." 

flA  law   to  hold   off   or  prevent   the  prompt   collection   of  debts. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  25; 

CONFERENCE,  APRIL,  1870 

Conference  convened  at  Hildebrands  Church  (Upper  District),  April  29th' 
and  30th,   1870.  Members  present: 

Bishops: — S.  Coffman,  J.  Hildebrand,  J.  Ceil. — 3. 

Minister: — D.  S.  Heatwole,  J.  Driver,  J.  N.  Driver,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,. 
D.  H.  Landes,  P.  Shoemaker,  D.  Showalter,  C.  Brunk,  A.  Shank,  S.  Shank,  I.. 
Grove,  J.  Weaver,  J.  R.  Hildebrand. — 13. 

Deacons: — S.  Heatwole,  F.  A.  Rhodes,  J.  Landes. — 3. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  19. 

Proceedings. 

Call  for  Deacon. — F.  A.  Rhodes  requested  this  Conference  to  allow  a. 
deacon  tO'  be  ordained  in  Central  District.     Granted. 

*A  Duty  of  Deacons. — On  motion  of  Bishop  Coffman  it  was  decided  that 
when  difificulties  arise  among  members  that  must  be  taken  to  the  Church  for 
adjustment,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  deacons  to  get  the  evidence  in  the  case- 
and  report  the  same  to  the  Church,  and  take  the  counsel  upon  it. 

CONFERENCE,  1870 

Conference  in  the  fall  of  1870  was  to  meet  at  the  Bank  Church  (Central' 
District)  but  was  prevented  by  a  freshet  at  the  time.f 

CONFERENCE,  APRIL,   1871 

Conference  met  at  Brennemans  Church  (Lower  District),  April  28th  and' 
29th,  1871.     Members  enrolled  as  follows: 

Bishops: — S.  Cofifmsn,  J.  Hildebrand,  J.  Geil,  George  Brenneman,  of  Ohio. 
—4. 

Ministers: — D.  Showalter,  A.  Shank,  S.  Shank,  C.  Brunk,  J.  Driver,  Joseph; 
N.  Driver,  G.  D.  Heatwole,  J.  Weaver,  D.  H.  Landes,  J.  Evers,  P.  Shoemaker,. 
I.  Grove,  J.  R.  Hildebrand.— 13. 

Deacons: — F.  A.  Rhodes,  P.  Blosser,  Michael  Shank,  S.  Heatwole,  Daniel 
H.  Good,  J.  Geil,  Abraham  Good,,  of  Ohio.— 7. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  24. 

Conference  opened  with  the  usual  devotional  exercises  followed  by  ad- 
dresses from  the  bishops  and  others. 

**Meetings  after  Conference. — The  propriety  of  holding  meetings  after 
Conference   was   considered   and  decided   that   each   bishop   of   this   Conference- 


*It  was  subsequently  enacted  that  such  statements  to  the  Church  shovild  be  made  in  writing. 

tThis  was  one  of  the  greatest  freshets  ever  known  to  have  visited  this  section  of  country.  It  is- 
recorded  that  22  inches  of  rain  fell  within  the  space  of  six  days.  This  caused  a  daily  rise 
of  water  in  all  streams  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Church  and  there  being  no  bridges  for  crossing,. 
the  members  of  conference  were  prevented   from  assembling  at  the  place  appointed. 

A  number  of  ministers   and  deacons  met  at  the   home   of  Deacon   Fred   A.   Rhodes,  but 
no  record  of  the  business,   if  any,   that   may  have  been   transacted,   is  available. 

**Of  course  it  is  known  that  previous  to  this  date  and  for  a  long  period  afterward  the  sessions- 
of  the  Virginia  conference  were  held  privately  and  apart  from  the  body  of  the  Church. 
Hence  the  necessity  naturally  came  for  calling  a  meeting  of  members  in  each  of  the  several 
districts  for  laying  all  action  of  conference  before  the  Church  for  final  adoption.  In. 
recognizing  the  government  of  the  Church  as  congregational,  no  measure  adopted  by  con/- 
ference   could   be   generally   enforced  until   ratified    by   the    Church. 


26  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

shall  hold  a  meeting  after  each  conference  for  the  purpose  of  making  known  to 
the  Church   the  proceedings  of  Conference. 

Homestead  Law. — The  Homestead  Law  was  again  considered  and  was 
unanimously  decided  that  to  use  it  is  wrong.* 

Civil  Offices. — The  subject  of  brethren  holding  civil  offices  was  considered 
and  disapproved. 

The  records  show  no  discrimination,  perhaps  with  a  view  of  further  con- 
sideration in  the  future. 

Conference  closed  with  devotional  exercises. 

No  records  are  available  for  the  conference  of  the  fall  of  1871,  which 
according  to  the  regular  turn  should  have  met  at  the  Hildebrand  church  in 
Upper  District  September  29th  and  30th. 

Fiom  the  intimation  given  regarding  the  hold-over  question  on  "Civil 
Offices,"  for  a  future  conference,  and  as  this  question  did  not  come  up  till  the 
following  spring  April  26th  and  27th,  at  Weavers  Church  in  Middle  District, 
the  probability  would  appear  that  the  Hildebrand  Conference,  from  some 
cause  was  omitted. 

CONFERENCE,  APRIL,  1872 

Conference  met  at  Weavers  Church  (Central  District),  April  26th  and 
27th,   1872.     Members  present  as  follows: 

Bishops: — John  Geil,  Samuel  Coffman. — 2. 

Ministers: — D.  ShoAvalter,  J.  WeaA^er,  I.  Grove,  P.  Shoemaker,  J.  Driver, 
C.  Brunk,  A.  Shank,  D.  S.  Heatwole,  S.  Shank,  J.  Evers,  G.  D.  Heatwole,  J.  N. 
Driver,  D.  H.  Landes. — 13. 

Deacons:— B.  Wenger,  J.  Good,  F.  A.  Rhodes,  M..  Shank,  J.  Geil,  D.  H, 
Good,  S.  Heatwole,  J.  Landes. — 8. 

Total  number  of  Bishops.  Ministers  and  Deacons  23. 

Conference  opened  as  usual. 

Holding  Civil  offices. — The  subject  of  brethren  holding  civil  offices  was 
considered  and  decided  that  those  who  are  now  holding  office  be  allowed  to 
continue  their  term  of  office,  but  no  one  be  allowed  to  seek  or  hold  office  after 
that. 

Conference  closed. 

CONFERENCE,  SEPTEMBER,  1872 

Conference  met  at  Trissels  Church  (Lower  District),  September  27th  and 
28th,  1872.     The  following  members  were  present: 

Bishops:— J.  Geil,  S.  Coffman,  J.  Hildebrand.— 3. 

Ministers: — D.  Showalter,  J.  Weaver,  C.  Brunk,  P.  Shoemaker,  I.  Grove,  J. 
Driver,  S.  Shank,  D.  H.  Landes,  J.  N.  Driver,  A.  Shank,  D.  S.  Heatwole.— 11. 

Deacons:— J.  Good,  J.  Geil,  M.  Shank,  D.  H.  Good.— 4. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  18. 

Conference  opened  with  devotional  exercises. 


*The  State  Homestead  Law  would  exempt  a  debtor  from  an  execution  made  by  a  credftor,  to 
realize  from  the  sale  of  the  house  and  home  in  which  himself  and  family  find  shelter.  The 
Virginia  Conference  has  always  taken  the  stand  that  members  of  the  Mennonite  Church 
should  pay  their  just  debts  as  far  as  possible,  that  it  was  wrong  to  take  advantage  of  a  law 
that  would  debar  a  creditor  from  making  collection  according  to  the  ordinary  process  of 
law. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  27 

This  Conference. — There  being  no  business  of  special  *importance  to  be 
considered,  conference  closed  after  the  usual  addresses  of  the  bishops  upon 
the  prosperity  of  the  Church, 

CONFERENCE  FOR  1873 

No  records  found. 

The  regular  turn  for  the  next  Conference  was  for  the  Hildebrand  Church 
in  the  Upper  District  April  25th  and  26th,  1873.  It  was  a  cold,  snowy,  stormy 
period,  and  if  the  Conference  convened  at  all  it  must  have  been  with  a  small 
attendance. 

Indirect  records  show  that  the  fall  conference  for  1873  was  held  at  the 
Bank  Church  in  Mliddle  District  September  26th  and  27th,  with  a  largely 
attended  communion  meeting  on  Sunday  following.  Preacher  Philip  H.  Parret 
was  a  visiting  minister  to  this  conference  from  Pennsylvania. 

CONFERENCE,  APRIL,  1874 

Conference  met  at  Brennemans  Church  (Lower  District),  April  25th  and 
26th,  1874.     Members  present  as  follows: 

Bishops:— J.  Geil,  J.  Hildebrand,  S.  Coffman.— 3. 

Ministers: — J.  Weaver,  J.  Driver,  D.  S.  Heatwole,  I.  Grove,  C.  Brunk,  D.  H. 
Landes,  P.  Shoemaker,  J.  N.  Driver,  A.  Shank,  S.  Shank,  G.  D.  Heatwole, 
George  Brunk. — 12. 

Deacons:— F.  A.  Rhodes,  J.  Good,  J.  Geil,  P.  Blosser,  S.  Heatwole,  D.  H. 
Good,  M.  Shank.— 7. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons,  22. 

Conference  opened  as  usual  after  which  the  following  subjects  were  con- 
sidered: 

Family  Prayer. — Much  was  said  on  the  duty  of  family  prayer. 

Secret  Societies. — It  was  considered  and  decided  that  members  should  not 
join  secret  organizations,  as  it  is  not  in  harmony  with  the  Word  of  God. 

Erring  Brethren. — Discussed  and  decided  that  in  cases  when  the  church 
require  acknowledgement  of  erring  members,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  deacons 
to  specify  a  time  in  which  such  acknowledgments  should  be  made. 

fMarrying  out  of  Church. — The  subject  of  members  marrying  out  of  the 
church  was  considered.  No  change,  however,  was  made  from  the  former  rule 
which  is  as  follows:  Members  shall  have  the  privilege  of  marrying  persons  not 
members  of  our  church,  provided  such  persons  are  in  good  standing  in  society, 
and  possessed  of  a  good  moral  character;  but  marrying  members  of  the  church 
is  in  all  cases  preferred.  And  we  hereby  urgently  recommend  to  members  the 
importance  of  being  careful  in  choosing  companions. 

Banning. — This  subject  was  discussed,  but  dismissed  without  action. 
**Revival  Meetings. — The  subject  was  discussed  and  disapproved,  especially 


*This  appears  to  have  been   a  period   of  general   good  feeling  though   the   conference   is   marked 

by   more  than  the   usual   number  of  absentees. 
tThe   rule   with   reference   to   members   having   privilege    to   marry    persons    not   united    with   the 

Church  dates  back  as  far  as  the  year  1845  to  near  the  close  of  the  bishopric  of  Peter  Burk- 

holder. 

**The  revival  meetings  referred  to  were  those  held  by  neighboring  denominations  where  un- 
usually boisterous  and  shouting  experiences  were  prevalent.  The  purpose  of  the  conference 
was  to  discourage  members  or  their  children  from  any  inclination  to  take  part  in  or  to  be 
led  away  from  the  Church  by  such  meetings. 


28  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

in  the  way  that  they  are  often  conducted.  Therefore  members  are  hereby 
advised  not  to  take  part  in  them,  as  it  is  not  in  harmony  with  the  rules  of  the 
church,  and  the  tendency  is  to  disregard  the  advice  of  our  Savior  (Luke  14:27 
. — 32)  which  is  to  the  effect  that  if  we  wish  to  be  his  disciples  we  must  take  up 
the  cross  and  follow  him,  and  those  who  contemplate  a  Christian  life  should 
first  calmly  and  sincerely  count  the  cost.  And  it  is  our  duty  earnestly  to  ad- 
monish our  children  and  the  young  people  generally  to  do  so'. 
Conference  closed. 

CONFERENCE,  SEPTEMBER,  1874 

Conference  convened  at  Mount  Pleasant  Church  (Upper  District),  Septem- 
jber  25th  and  26th,  1874.    The  following  members  were  present: 

Bishops: — J.  Geil,  J.  Hildebrand,  S.  Coffman. — 3. 

Ministers: — J.  Weaver,  J.  Driver,  P.  Shoemaker,  S.  Shank,  C.  Brunk,  G.  D. 
Heatwole,  I.  Grove,  D.  H.  Landes,  J.  N.  Driver,  G.  Brunk,  Daniel  Roth,  of 
Maryland. — 11. 

Deacons: — F.  A.  Rhodes,  S.  Heatwole,  D.  H.  Good,  P.  Blosser,  J.  Landes, 
M.  Shank.— 6 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  20. 

Conference  opened  by  reading  singing  and  prayer. 

Evils  in  the  Church, — The  various  evils  that  Church  members  are  tempted 
to  indulge  in;  such  as  circus  shows,  picnics,  church  fairs,  etc.,  were  again,  com- 
mented upon  and  emphatically  disapproved.  We  hope  our  members  will  not  go 
to  these  places. 

Close  Communion. — Our  Church  has  always  regarded  it  consistent  with  our 
profession  to  hold  close  communion,  and  it  was  again  considered  and  decided 
to  abide  by  the  old  rule. 

Ministers  Voting  at  Church  Counsel. — As  it  has  been  a  custom  of  the 
ministers  not  to  vote  at  Church  Counsel,  we  do  hereby  say  that  it  is  their 
privilege  and  duty  to  vote  at  such  meetings. 

Ministers  may  Officiate. — Ministers  are  hereby  authorized  to  administer 
baptism  and  the  Sacrament  in  cases  of  necessity  in  the  absence  of  a  bishop. 

Conferences  Public  or  Private. — It  is  hereby  decided  that  the  usual  de- 
votional exercises  of  our  Conferences  be  conducted  publicly  and  that  members 
and  their  children  are  hereby  especially  invited  to  attend. 

Conference  closed. 


CONFERENCE,  APRIL,  MAY,  1875 

Conference  at  Weavers  Church  (Central  District),  April  30th  and  May  1st, 
1875.     Members  present  as  follows: 

Bishops: — J.   Hildebrand,  J.  Geil,  S.  Cofifman. — 3. 

Ministers:— D.  Showalter,  A.  Shank,  J.  Driver,  D.  S.  Heatwole,  D.  H.  Lan- 
des, Daniel  Roth,  C.  Brunk,  G.  Brunk,  J.  N.  Driver,  G.  D.  Heatwole,  P.  Shoe- 
maker, J.  Weaver. — 12. 

Deacons:— J.  Good,  J.  Geil,  D.  H.  Good,  F.  A.  Rhodes,  Daniel  Mellinger, 
JB.  Wenger,  P.  Blosser,  M.  Shank,  S.  Heatwole.— 9. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  24. 

Conference  opened  as  usual  after  which  the  following  was  considered. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  29 

Call  for  Ministers. — Application  was  made  for  the  ordination  of  three  min- 
isters, two  in  Central,  and  one  in  Lower  District.    Granted. 

Conference,  Public  or  Private. — We  hereby  give  notice  that  we  return  to 
our  former  rule  by  holding  the  entire  exercises  of  our  Conferences  private. 

Conference  closed  after  listening  to  many  things  which  were  in  their  nature 
admonitive  and  advisory. 

CONFERENCE,   SEPTEMBER,   1875 

Conference  at  Trissels  Church  (Lower  District),  September  24th  and  25th, 
1875     The  following  members  reported  present: 

Bishops: — J.  Geil,  J.  Hildebrand,  S.  Cofifman,  Abraham  Shank. — 4. 

Ministers: — D.  Showalter,  J.  Weaver,  J.  Driver,  D.  H.  Landes,  I.  Grove, 
C.  Brunk,  D.  S.  Heatwole,  J.  N.  Driver,  S.  Shank,  G.  Brunk,  Solomon  Beery, 
J.  S.  Coffman,  John  Geil,  Jr.— 13. 

Deacons: — M.  Shank,  J.  Geil,  D.  Mellinger,  D.  H.  Good,  J.  Good,  George 
Funk,  of  Indiana. — 6.    . 

•Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  23. 

Conference  opened  as  usual  after  which  the  following  was  considered: 

Members  Voted  for  Minister  or  Deacon. — Decided  that  the  rule  be  as 
formerly,  that  if  a  brother  refuse  to  go  into  the  lot  he  does  it  upon  his  own 
responsibility. 

Request  to  Ordain  a  Minister. — Application  was  made  to  have  a  minister 
ordained  in  Frederick  county,  Va.  Granted. 

Conference  adjourned  after  the  usual  exercises. 

CONFERENCE,  APRIL,  1875 

f 

Conference  convened  at  Hildebrands  Church  (Upper  District),  April 
28th  and  29th,  1876.    Members  present: 

Bishops:— J.  Geil,  J.  Hildebrand,  S.  Coffman,  A.  Shank.— 4. 

Ministers: — I.  Grove,  D.  S.  Heatwole,  J.  R.  Hildebrand,  J.  N.  Driver,  G. 
Brunk,  J.  Geil  Jr.,  J.  S.  Coffman,  J.  Driver,  D.  H.  Landes,  D.  Roth,  S.  Shank, 
G.  D.  Heatwole,  S.    Beery,  D.  Mellinger,  C.  Brunk.— 15. 

Deacons:— J.  Geil,  M.  Shank.  F.  A.  Rhodes,  D.  H.  Good,  J.  Landes.— 5. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  24. 

Application  for  Deacon. — C.  Brunk  made  application  to  have  a  deacon 
ordained  in  Frederick  county,  Va.     It  was  granted. 

Warnings. — Secret  organizations  of  diffierent  orders  were  again  spoken 
against  by  the  bishops,  and  abundantly  testified  to  by  the  brethren. 

Conference  adjourned. 

CONFERENCE,  SEPTEMBER,  1876 

Conference  at  the  Bank  Church  (Central  District),  September  29th  and 
30th,  1876.    The  following  members  are  reported  present: 

Bishops:— J.  Hildebrand,  S.  Cofifman,  J.  Geil,  A.  Shank.— 4. 

Ministers: — J.   Weaver,  J.   Driver,   D.   S.  Heatwole,   D.   Showalter,   D.   H. 


30  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

Landes,  I.  Grove,  C.  Brunk,  S.  Roth,  J.  N.  Driver,  G.  D.  Heatwole,  Sanuiel 
Roads,  of  Pennsylvania,  G.  Brunk,  J.  S.  CofFman,  S.  Beery,  D.  Mellinger,  J. 
Geil,  Jr.— 16. 

Deacons:— B.  Wenger,  J.  Good,  F.  A.  Rhodes,  J.  Geil,  D.  H.  Good,  M. 
Shank. — 6. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  26. 

Conference  opened  the  usual  way  by  singing  and  prayer. 

Call  for  Minister. — Bishop  Geil  made  application  to  have  a  minister  or- 
dained in  Hardy  county,  W.  Va. 

Swearing  of  Oaths. — This  subject  was  discussed  at  length,  and  the  Confes- 
sion of  Faith  referred  to. 

Nothing  further  upon  record.     Conference  adjourned. 

CONFERENCE,  APRIL,  1877 

Conference  met  at  Brennemans  Church  (Lower  District),  April  27th  and 
28th,  1877.     The  following  names  reported  present: 

Bishops:— J.  Geil,  J.  Hildebrand,  S.  Cofifman,  A.  Shank.— 4. 

Ministers:— D.  Showalter,  J.  Driver,  C.  Brunk,  D.  Roth,  S.  Shank,  G.  D. 
Heatwole,  G.  Brunk,  D.  S.  Heatwole,  D.  H.  Landes,  D.  Mellinger,  Benjamin 
Lesher,  of  Pennsylvania,  J.  Geil,  S.  Beery. — 13. 

Deacons:— J.  Geil,  J.  Good,  D.  H.  Good,  F.  A.  Rhodes,  P.  Blosser,  M. 
Shank. — 6. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  23. 

Conference  as  usual. 

Fire  Insurance. — The  subject  of  fire  insurance  was  discussed  and  decided 
that  it  should  not  be  encouraged. 

Application  for  Minister. — Bishop  Cofifman  asked  permission  to  ordain  a 
minister  in  Central  District.     Granted. 

Offenders. — Decided  that  all  ofifenders  be  visited  and  treated  alike,  without 
respect  of  persons. 

Conference  closed  as  usual. 

CONFERENCE,  SEPTEMBER,  1877 

Conference  at  Hildebrands  Church  (Upper  District),  September  28th  and 
and  29th,  1877.     The  following  members  were  present: 

Bishops: — J.    Geil,    S.   Coffman,   J.   Hildebrand,   A.    Shank. — 4. 

Ministers: — I.  Grove,  J.  R.  Hildebrand,  J.  Driver,  S,  Shank,  J.  N.  Driver, 
D.  H.  Landes,  D.  S.  Heatwole,  J.  S.  Cofifman,  G.  D.  Heatwole,  J.  Geil,  Abraham 
Burkholder.— 11. 

Deacons:— J.  Geil,  J.  Landes,  D.  H.  Good,  F.  A.  Rhodes,  M.  Shank.— 5. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  20. 

Conference  opened,  followed  by  addresses. 

Pride. — The  subject  of  pride  was  again  discussed,  and  the  following  reso- 
lutions adopted: 

Resolved  1,  That  the  wearing  of  finger-rings,  breast-pins,  ornamental 
shirt  fronts,  cufifs,  fashionable  collars,  ruffles,  reached  or  otherwise  fashionable 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  3i 

hair,  is  inconsistent  with  the  word  of  God. 

Resolved  2,  That  the  brethren  and  sisters  be  required  to  be  faithful  to 
their  promise  in  conforming  to  the  rules  of  the  Church  in  regard  to  dress. 

Resolved  3,  That  the  superfluous  ornameiiting  of  houses  or  other  build- 
ings, either  in  the  manner  of  building  or  in  decorating  the  walls  and  tables 
with  pictures,  etc.,  is  inconsistent  and  contrary  to  the  word  of  God. 

Resolved  4,  That  every  brother  or  sister  neglecting  to  comply  with 
these  promises,  with  regard  to  conformity  to  the  rules  of  the  Church,  shall  be 
visited  and  reasoned  with. 

Resolved  5,  That  the  actions  of  this  Conference  be  presented  to  the 
Churches  in  the  several  districts  at  meetings  appointed  for  that  special  pur- 
pose. 

Staying  from  Counsel  Meetings. — It  was  decided  that  members  who  stay 
away  from  counsel  meeting  only  because  they  are  offended,  shall  be  considered- 
offenders  themselves,  and  shall  be  dealt  with  accordingly. 

Conference  closed  as  usual. 

CONFERENCE,  APRIL,  1878 

Conference  at  Weavers  Church  (Central  District)  April  26th  and  27th,. 
1878.    The  following  members  were  present: 

Bishops: — J.  Geil,  J.  Hildebrand,  S.  Cofifman,  A.  Shank. — 4. 

Ministers: — Daniel  Showalter,  D.  Roth,  D.  Mellinger,  J.  S.  Coffman,  I. 
Grove,  D.  S.  Heatwole,  S.  Beery,  S.  Shank,  C.  Brunk,  J.  N.  Driver,  D.  H.  Lan- 
des,  G.  D.  Heatwole,  J.  Geil,  Jr.,  G.  Brunk.— 14. 

Deacons:— M.  Shank,  P.  Blosser,  J.  Landes,  J.  Good,  J.  Geil,  D.  H.  Good. 
—6. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  IMinisters  and  Deacons  24. 

Conference  opened  by  singing,  reading  and  prayer. 

Call  for  Ministers. — Bishop  Coffman  asked  permission  to  ordain  two  minis- 
ters in  his  district.     Granted. 

*School  Exhibitions. — This  subject  was  discussed,  and  it  was  decided  that 
members  should  take  no  part  in  them. 

Former  Resolutions. — Resolutions  were  adopted  at  our  last  Conference, 
taking  a  very  prominent  stand  against  the  wearing  of  finger-rings,  breast-pins,- 
etc,  and  we  think  to  those  things  enumerated  in  the  first  resolution  referred  to,, 
should  be  added  the  wearing  of  ear  rings,  and  watch  chains  conspiciously. 

Conference  adjourned. 

(No  records  for  conferences  from  September,  1878  to  September,  1879.) 

CONFERENCE,  APRIL,  MAY,  1880 

Conference  at  Brennemans  Church  (Lower  District),  April  30th  and  May 
1st,  1880.     The  following  members  reported  present: 


'The  feature  of  School  Exhibitions  more  particularly  referred  to  here  was  the  craze  then  so 
prevalent  for  foolish  and  clownish  dialogues  representing  the  lower  order  of  civilized' 
characters.  Other  features  came  up  in  the  form  of  theatrical  plays  where  knives  and  pistols, 
figured  in  the  performance,  and  those  who  "took  part"  being  required  to  dress  and  paint 
their  faces  after  the  manner  of  the  characters  represented.  In  the  light  of  God's  word,  the 
conference  could  not  do  otherwise  than  to  openly  testify  against  them  and  to  forbid  mem- 
bers   to    take    part    in    them. 


32  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

Bishops: — J.  Hildebrand,  J.  Geil,  S.  Coffman,  A.  vShank. — 4. 

Ministers:— D.  Showalter.  D.  H.  Landes,  J.  N.  Driver,  D.  Koth,  A.  Burk- 
holder,  Peter  S.  Heatwole,  G.  D.  Heatwole,  I.  Grove,  C.  Brunk,  S.  Shank,  J. 
Geil,  D.  Mellinger,  Samuel  S.  Weaver. — 13. 

Deacons: — J.  Good,  J.  Geil,  Jacob  Showalter,  J.  Landes,  F.  A.  Rhodes" 
Samuel  H.  Weaver,  M.  Shank. — 7. 

Total   number   of   Bishops,   Ministers   and   Deacons  24. 

Conference  opened  as  usual. 

Call  for  Minister. — Bishop  Coffman  asked  permission  to  ordain  two  minis- 
ters in  his  district. 

Open  Communion. — This  question  was  again  discussed,  but  no  actions 
taken. 

Customs  at  Funerals. — The  custom  of  mourners  at  funeral  services,  such 
as  brethren  wearing  their  hats,  failing  to  kneel  in  prayer,  and  the  wearing  of 
crape,  was  spoken  of  and  completely  disapproved.  We  hereby  caution  our 
members  against  anything  inconsistent  simply  because  it  is  custom. 

Meeting  after  Conference. — The  propriety  of  holding  meetings  in  the- 
several  districts  after  each  Conference,  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  before  the- 
Church  the  proceedings  of  Conference,  was  considered  and  was  decided  that 
it  be  left  discretionary  with  each   district. 

Insurance. — The  propriety  of  members  taking  a  policy  in  an  incorporated: 
insurance  company  where  an  annuity  is  paid,  was  considered,  and  it  was  de- 
cided that  it  will  not  be  allowed. 

Conference  closed  with  the  usual  exercises. 

CONFERENCE,  SEPTEMBER,  1880 

Conference  at  Hildebrands  Church  (Upper  District),  September  24th  and' 
25th,  1880.     Members  present  as  follows: 

Bishops: — J.  Hildebrand,  A.  Shank. — 2. 

Ministers: — D.  H.  Landes,  J.  N.  Driver,  J.  R.  Hildebrand,  I.  Grove,  D. 
Roth,  John  Burkholder.  of  Ohio,  Peter  S.  Heatwole,  S.  Shank,  J.  Geil,  M. 
Rohrer,  of  Ohicv,  D.  S.  Heatwole,  S.  Beery,  Joseph  F.  Heatwole,  Abraham 
Wenger. — 14. 

Deacons: — F.  A.  Rhodes,  J.  Landes,  S.  H.  Weaver,  M.  Shank. — 4. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  20. 

Conference  opened  with  the  usual  devotional  exercises. 

Former  Actions  Re-considered. — In  the  first  place,  much  was  said  in  con- 
firmation of  the  proceedings  of  former  Conferences,  but  no  changes  made  in 
anything. 

Musical  Instruments. — The  subject  of  members  using  musical  instruments 
was  spoken  of  and  warmly  protested  against,  but  finally  laid  over  for  further 
consideration. 

Query. — A  brother  having  been  formally  ordained  to  the  ministry,  who 
after  due  effort  to  preach,  fails  to  succeed,  and  finally  abandons  furt'lier  efifort, 
shall  he  be  required  to  take  his  seat  in  church  with  the  ministers  or  with  the 
congregation?     Decided  with  the  congregation. 

Mustaches. — As  the  wearing  of  mustaches  has  become  such  a  general  cus- 
tom, the  subject  was  brought  before  Conference  for  consideration,  and  decided 
by  a  large  majority  that  our  breth-en  should  not  wear  them. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  33 

Time   of   Holding   Conference. — The   time   of   holding   our   Conferences    is 
hereby  changed  to  the  second  Friday  in  I\Iay,  and  October  of  each  year. 
Conference  closed  with  the  usual  exercises. 

CONFERENCE,  MAY,  1881 

Conference  met  at  the  Bank  Church  (Central  District),  May  13th  and  14th, 

1881.  Members  present  as  follows: 

Bishops:— J.  Ceil.  J.  Hildebrand,  S.  Coffman,  A.  Shank.— 4. 

Ministers:— D.  Roth,  I.  Grove,  S.  Shank,  G.  D.  Heatwole,  G.  Brunk.  A. 
Wenger,  J.  F.  Heatwole,  C.  Brunk,  J.  N.  Driver,  J.  Geil,  D.  H.  Landes,  A.  Burk- 
holder,  S.  S.  Weaver. — 13. 

Deacons:— M.  Shank,  J.  Showalter,  D.  H.  Good,  F.  A.  Rhodes,  S.  Heatwole, 
J.  Geil,— 6. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  23. 

Conference  opened  as  usual. 

Members  Moving  to  Another  Congregation. — Decided  that  members  chang- 
ing congregations  should  take  with  them  a  certificate  of  membership. 

Nothing  further  reported  from  this  Confetence. 

CONFERENCE,  OCTOBER,  1881 

Conference  held  at  Trissels  Church  (Lower  District),  October  14th  and 
15th.  1881.     Conference  members  present: 

Bishops:— J.  Hildebrand,  S.  Coffman,  A.  Shank,  J.  Geil.— 4. 

Ministers: — D.  Showalter,  J.  N.  Driver,  G.  D.  Heatwole,  J.  F.  Heatwole, 
D.  Mellinger.  Jacob  Teats,  of  Hardy  county,  W.  Va.,  P.  S.  Heatwole,  A.  Wen- 
ger, A.  Burkholder,  D.  S.  Heatwole,  S.  Shank,  D.  H.  Landes,  G.  Brunk,  J.  Geil, 
S.  Beery,  S.  S.  Weaver. — 16. 

Deacons:— F.  A.  Rhodes,  J.  Good,  J.  Showalter,  M.  Shank,  S.  H.  Weaver, 
D.  H.  Good,  J.  Geil,  S.  Heatwole,  J.  Landes.— 9. 

Tota'l  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  29. 

Call  for  a  Deacon. — Requested  that  a  deacon  be  ordained  in  Frederick  Co., 
Va.     Granted. 

*Breaking  Bread. — Decided  that  hereafter  a  minister  or  deacon  break  the 
bread  for  the  ofificiating  bishop. 

Time  of  Fall  Conference. — The  time  of  the    fall    Conference     is     hereby 
changed  from  the  second  to  the  first  Friday  in  October. 
Conference  adjourned  in  regular  order. 

CONFERENCE,  MAY,  1882 

Conference  at  Hildebrands  Church   (L'^pper  District),   May   12th  and   13th, 

1882.  Brethren   present  as   follows: 

Bishops:— J.   Hildebrand,   S.  Cofifman,  A.   Shank.— 3. 


•Before  the  taking  of  this  action  it  liad  been  the  rule  for  the  bishop  after  invoking  the  blessing, 
to  break  the  bread  first  to  himself  and  then  to  his  fellow  ministers  and  the  members  of  the 
congregation.  The  same  rule  also  held  with  the  cup.  first  drinking  from  it  himself,  and  then 
passed   it   to   the  others. 

This  change  provides  for  the  bishop  to  first  break  bread  to  a  fellow  minister  or  deacon. 
Then  the  minister  or  deacon  so  served  breaks  it  to  the  bishop,  who  then  proceeds  as  before 
to  all  others. 


34  VIRGINIA    COXFERENXE    MINUTES 

Ministers:— I.  Grove,  C.  Brunk,  J.  R.  Hildebrand,  D.  S.  Heatwole,  S.  Shank, 
A.  Wengcr.  G.  D.  Heatwole,  J.  N.  Driver,  J.  Geil,  D.  H.  Landes,  S.  S.  Weaver. 
A.  Burkholder,  J.  F.  Heatwole,  D.  Mellinger. — 14. 

Deacons: — S.  II.  Weaver,  J.  Landes,  J.  Geil,  J.  Sliowalter,  John  Witmer, 
M.  Shank.— 6. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  23. 

Opening  services  were  as  usual. 

Call  for  Deacons. — Permission  was  asked  to  ordain  two  deacons  in  Central 
District.     Granted. 

Single  Brethren  for  Minister. — The  subject  of  taking  single  brethren  into 
the  lot  for  minister  was  discussed. 

Conference  closed. 

CONFERENCE,  OCTOBER,  1882 

Conference  at  the  Pike  Church  (Central  District),  October  6th  and  7th, 
1882.     Members  as  follows: 

Bishops:— J.  Geil,  J.  Hildebrand,  S.  Coffman,  A.  Shank.— 4. 

Ministers: — I.  Grove,  D.  S.  Heatwole,  A.  Burkholder,  S.  Shank,  A.  Wenger, 
J.  R.  Hildebrand,  J.  F.  Heatwole,  D.  Showalter,  J.  N.  Driver,  S.  Beery,  J.  Geil, 
C.  Brunk,  D.  H.  Landes,  P.  S.  Heatwole,  G.  Brunk.— 15. 

Deacons:— D.  H.  Good,  S.  Heatwole,  J.  Landes,  J.  Geil,  F.  A.  Rhodes,  M. 
Shank,  J.  Showalter. — 7. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  APinisters  and  Deacons  26. 

Single  Brethren  for  Minister  or  Deacon. — Bishop  A.  Shank  asked  permis- 
sion to  take  single  men  into  the  lot  for  minister  or  deacon,  passed  Conference 
by  over  two-thirds  majority,  upon  which  it  was  decided  to  submit  the  same 
to  vote  in  the  churches  throughout  the  valley. 

Church  Statistics. — This  matter  was  considered  and  decided  that  it  be  the 
bishop's  duty  to  make  church  statictics  to  the  Government  when  asked  for. 

Certificates  of  Standing. — The  requirement  of  certificates  from  members  of 
other  Churches  as  formerly  passed  by  Conference  is  hereby  limited  to  mean 
those  only  who  are  entire  strangers. 

Visiting  Members.— Visiting  members  was  discussed  and  decided  that  it 
be  thebi^^hop's  duty  to  visit,  or  have  visited,  all  the  members  of  their  several 
districts. 

•Sacrament  and  Feet-Washing. — For  certain  reasons  it  was  decided  that 
hereafter  we  observe  the  ordinance  of  feet-washing  immediately  after  the-ad- 
ministration  of  the  Sacrament,  and  not  give  a  recess  as  has  been  the  custom 
of  our  church  in  the  valley.  And  also  hereby  make  it  the  duty  of  the  deacons  to 
see  that  members  take  the  front  seats  in  the  Church  so  as  to  avoid,  as  much  as 
possible,  all  confusion  during  the  administration,  etc. 

Conference  closed. 

CONFERENCE,  MAY,  1883 

Conference  at  Brcnnemans  Churcli  (Lower  District),  ?^Iay  11th  and  12th, 
1883.".  The  following  members  were  in  attendance': 

Bishops:— S.  Coffman,  John  Geil,  Sr.,  A.  Shank.— 3. 

Ministers:— Daniel  Roth,  D.  Mellinger,  C.  Brunk,  D.  Showalter,  D.  S.  Heai- 
wole,G.  D.  Heatwole,  S.  Beery,  A.  B.  Burkholder,  A.  B.  Wenger,  J.  Geil/  D. 
H.  Landes,  P.  S.  Heatwole,  S.  F.  Weaver,  J.  N.  Driver.— 14. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  35 

Deacons: — J.  Showalter,  D.  E.  Rhodes,  D.  H.  Good,  Jacob  Geil,  F.  A. 
.Rhodes,  M.  Shank,  J.  Landes,  S.  H.  Weaver,  John  Whitmer.— 9. 

Total    number    of    Bishops,    Ministers    and    Deacons,   26. 

Conference  met  at  9  o'clock  and  began  services  by  the  use  of  first  hymn  in 
supplement  and  followed  by  prayer. 

Rules  of  Conference. — Rules  of  Conference  were  read  by  moderator. 

A  Letter. — Bishop  J.  Hildebrand  not  being  present  a  letter  was  read  from 
him.     Also  the  following  Scriptures,  1  Cor.  1,  and  14:10. 

Admonitions. — Appropriate  admonitions  were  now  delivered  by  bishops, 
Coffman,  Geil,  and  Shank,  followed  by  the  ministers  and  deacons;  all  upon  the 
duty  of  Ministers,  etc. 

Query,  Baptism. — Is  it  in  accordance  with  the  Scriptures  and  divine  truth 
and  in  accordance  with  out  faith  and  practice  of  close  communion  and  non- 
resistance  to  receive  into  our  Church,  members  from  other  Churches  without 
re-baptizing  them?     Laid  aside. 

Musical  Instruments. — Is  it  consistent  for  the  followers  of  Christ  Jesus 
to  have  musical  instruments  in  their  houses,  or  is  it  in  accordance  with  the 
teachings  of  Christ  and  his  apostles?     Laid  over. 

Mutual  Society. — Will  it  be  consistent  with  the  teachings  of  Chris.t  for 
the  brotherhood  to  form  a  mutual  society?     Decided  in  the  negative. 

Baptism  Again. — The  first  question  of  yesterday  was  again  taken  .up  and 
spoken  upon  for  some  time  and  again  laid  aside. 

Dismissed  by   singing  and  prayer. 

CONFERENCE,  OCTOBER,  1883 

Conference  at  Kindig's  Church  (Upper  District),  October  5th  and  6th.  1883. 
The  following  members  were  present: 

Bishops: — J.  Hildebrand,  S.  Cofifman,  A.  Shank. — 3. 

Ministers:— I.  Grove,  J.  R.  Hildebrand,  S.  Beery,  D.  H.  Landes,  A.  B.  Bnrk- 
holder,  D.  S.  Heatwole,  G.  D.  Heatwole,  S.  S.  Weaver,  J.  F.  Heatwole,  C. 
Brunk,  G.  Brunk,  A.  Wenger,  S.  Shank.— 13. 

Deacons:— M.  Shank,  S.  H.  Weaver,  J.  Landes,  J.  Geil,  D.  H.  Good,  D.  E. 
Rhodes,  F.  A.  Rhodes.— 7. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  23. 

Opening  Exercises. — Conference  opened  by  reading  and  prayer.  The  read- 
ing consisted  of  2  Cor.  4. 

Admonitions. — Admonitions  were  now  given  by  the  bishops  followed  by 
the  ministers  and  deacons. in  their  turn.  , 

Home  Mission  Fund. — This  subject  was  introduced  by  Bishop  Coftman, 
the  object  of  which  was  to  form  some  plan  by  which  a  minister's  work  is 
being  done  at  home  while  he  is  from  home  preaching  the  gospel.  After  much 
discussion  it  was  placed  upon  its  passage,  but  voted  down  by  a  large  majority. 
It  was  urged,  however,  that  it  is  the  duty  of  members  to  see  that  such  work  is 
done  while  ministers  are  thus  engaged,  though  no  special  plan  is  adopted. 

Arbitrations. — We  are  opposed  to  using  the  law  to  adjust  difficulties  be- 
tween parties,  hence  it  is  decided  that  when  financial  difficulties  arise  between 
members,  in  which  they  fail  to  adjust  themselves,  it  shall  be  referred  to  two- 
or  more  arbitrators,  to  be  mutually  chosen  bj-  the  contending  parties.  The 
said  arbitrators  are  to  make  their  decision  according  to  justice  without  knowing 
by  whom  either  of  them  was  chosen^    And  their  decision  is  to  be  reduced  to 


36  VIRGIXIA     COXFERENXE     MINUTES 

writing  and  placed  upon  record.  It  was  also  decided  that  ministers  of  the  gos- 
pel shonld  not  serve  as  arbitrators. 

Conference  Minutes. — This  subject  was  discussed,  and  decided  to  publish 
Conference  minutes.     See  Preface. 

Call  for  Minister. — Bishop  A.  Shank  asked  permission  to  ordain  one  or 
two  ministers  in  his  district.     Granted. 

Bro.  A.  Shank  also  asked  to  have  a  minister  ordained  in  Hardy  county, 
W.  Va.     Decided  that  it  is  not  expedient  at  the  present  time. 

Non-resistance. — The  conclusion  of  Conference  consisted  of  addresses 
upon  the  non-resistant  doctrine  by  Bishop  Coffman  and  others. 

CONFERENCE,  MAY,  1884 

Conference  met  at  Weavers  Church  (Central  District),  May  9th,  1884, 
with  members  present  as  follows: 

Bishops: — John  Geil,  Sr.,  Jacob  Hildebrand,  Samuel  Coffman,  A.  Shank. — 4. 

Ministers: — Daniel  Showalter,  Daniel  H.  Mellinger,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole, 
C.  Brunk.  D.  S.  Heatwole,  A.  B.  Wenger,  S.  S.  Weaver,  A.  B.  Burkholder,  S. 
Beery,  J.  S.  Coflfman,  P.  S.  Heatwole,  G.  Brunk,  J.  N.  Driver,  I.  Grove,  D.  H. 
Landes,  S.  S.  Shank,  Lewis  Shank,  Henry  Wenger. — 18. 

Deacons:— J.  Good,  J.  Geil,  J.  Whitmer,  C.  Good,  S.  Heatwole,  D.  E. 
Rhodes.  S.  H.  Weaver,  D.  H.  Good,  Jacob  Landes,  J.  Showalter,  M.  Shank,  F. 
A.   Rhodes.— 12. 

Total    number   of   Bishops,    Ministers   and    Deacons   34 

Conference  opened  at  9  o'clock  sharp,  by  the  reading  of  the  rules  of  Con- 
ference by  moderator,  followed  by  singing,  prayer  and  reading  Paul's  first 
letter  to  the  Corinthians. 

Admonitions  by  members  of  Conference  now  followed,  after  which  the 
following  subjects  for  consideration  were  presented  by  moderator  as  received 
by  him. 

increasing  from  year  to  year  the  following  query  presents  itself  as  a  timely 
one,  viz.,  Can  we  not  devise  means  by  which  business  in  our  Conference  can 
be  transacted  more  systematically  and  thereby  economize  much  in  the  use  of 
be  transacted  more  systemacically  and  thereby  economize  much  in  the  use  of 
time?  After  much  comment  and  suggestion  of  plans  the  following  was 
adopted. 

Kcsolrcil  1.  For  reasons  stated,  that  we  appoint  a  committee  consisting 

of  one  member  from  each  of  the  three  districts  to  whom  all  business  for  Con- 
ference shall  l)e  referred  and  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  receive  all  such  matter, 
to  put  in  proper  form,  if  necessary,  and  to  frame  and  attach  a  suitable  answer 
for  the  same. 

Resolved  2,  That  any  meml)cr  having  ])usiness   for  Conference  be   re- 

quired to  reduce  the  same  to  writing  (plainly  stated)  and  to  send  it  to  a  mem- 
ber of  said  committee  as  early  as  practicable,  in  no  case  later  than  one 
month  before  Conference. 

Committee  of  Reference. — .K  vote  resulted  in  the  choice  of  the  following 
brethren  as  the  al)ovc  named  committee,  Joseph  N.  Driver  (Upper  District), 
Daniel   S.   Heatwole   (Central  District),  and  Samuel  Shank  (Lower  District). 

Debating  Societies. — Inasmuch  as  Debating  societies  are  now  so  common 
an  institution  it  is  desired  that  Conference  consider  whether,  or  not,  it  is  con- 
sistent lor  brethren  to  take  part  in  them?     Decided  inconsistent. 


VIRGINIA    COXFERENCE    MINUTES  37' 

The  Beard. — We  are  commanded  to  be  a  separate  people  from  the  world 
hence  we  think  it  very  inexpedient  to  be  constantly  changing  our  external 
appearance  in  the  form  of  our  apparel,  beard,  etc.,  and  as  custom  has  adopted 
so  many  ways  of  cutting  and  shaping  the  beard  and  whose  ways  are  con- 
stantly changing,  we,  the  members  of  this  Conference,  do  strongly  urge  our 
dear  brethren,  desiring  to  wear  the  beard,  the  importance  of  adopting  a  plain 
mo<le  and  adhering  to  that. 

Plain  Clothing. — B.  A.  Hadsell,  of  Illinois,  has  now  made  arrangements 
to  furnish  plain  clothing  to  all  those  who  desire  them.  We  regard  this  a  move 
in  the  right  direction.  And  we  do  hereby  again  strongly  urge  our  brethren  to 
wear  plain  clothing  for  reasons  often  assigned. 

Pride. — By  our  own  experiences  in  connection  with  the  experiences  of 
others  we  are  prompted  to  again  speak  plainly  on  this  subject.  We  have  heard 
from  ministers  of  other  Churches  expressions  of  regret  that  pride  made  such 
inroads  into  their  Churches.  Why  not  then  urge  the  brethren  and  sisters  to 
take  warning  of  the  danger  to  which  it  is  leading?  Let  the  dear  young  sisters 
be  earnestly  admonished  to  make  their  caps  plain  with  narrow  strings  as  be- 
cometh  those  who  profess  to  have  denied  the  world  and  are  following  Christ 
in  l.umbleness  of  heart. 

Anointing  with  Oil. — The  subject  of  anointing  with  oil,  as  spoken  of  by 
James  5:14,  was  discussed  at  length.  Much  was  said  for  and  against  its  literal 
signification,  and  what  the  duty  of  the  elders  is  when  called  upon  for  that  pur- 
pose. And  also,  if  to  anoint,  what  kind  of  oil  to  use.  It  was  finally  dismissed 
Avithout  any  final  conclusion. 

Query. — Would  it  be  expedient  to  ordain  a  bishop  in  the  Winchester 
branch  of  the  Church?     Decided  not  expedient. 

Collections. — Is  it  expedient  to  hold  public  collections  to  defray  ministers' 
traveling  expenses?     Question  tabled. 

Call  for  Deacon. — Bishop  A.  Shank  asked  permission  to  ordain  one  or  two 
•deacons  in  his  district.     Granted. 

Next  Conference  to  be  held  at  Trissels  Church  (Lower  District),  the  first 
Friday  in  Octolier,  1884. 

Reading  Minutes. — The  minutes  of  former  Conferences  were  read. 

Conference  closed  with  singing  and  prayer. 

CONFERENCE,  OCTOBER,  1884 

Conference  met  at  Trissels  Church  (Lower  District).  October  3rd  and 
•4th,   1884.     Opened   Friday  morning  at  nine  o'clock. 

M'icliael   Shank,    Moderator.     David   H.   Landis,    Secretary. 

Devotional  exercises,  174th  hymn,  Rom.  12th  chapter  and  prayer. 

Admonitions   by   bishops    Coffman,    Hildebrand   and   Shank. 

Ministers  and  deacons  all  responded  in  turn,  speaking  of  the  various  duties 
devolving  upon  each. 

Friday  Afternoon 

Devotional  exercises,  32nd  hymn  in  supplement  and  prayer. 
Moderator  declared  conference  ready  for  business. 

Proceedings  of  Conference. — Is  it  expedient  to  publish  the  proceedings  of 
conference  before  they  are  ratified  by  the  church? 

Resolved,    Not  to  publish  thenr  before  they  are  ratified. 


38  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

Call  for  Deacon. — Bishop  Hildebrand  asked  permission  to  ordain  one  or 
two  deacons  in  the  Upper   District.     Granted. 

Invitations  to  our  Ministers. — If  our  ministers  are  invited  by  ministers  of 
other  denominations  to  take  part  with  them  in  their  ministry,  is  it  right  for 
them  to  do  so?     Decided  that  they  should  be  careful  as  to  when  and  where. 

Wine  for  Communion. — Is  there  any  evidence  in  scripture  as  to  what  kind 
of  wine  should  be  used  at  the  time  of  communion?  Decided  that  it  should  be 
grape  wine. 

♦Missionary  Fund. — Does  this  conference  advise  that  we  have  a  missionary 
fund?     Decided  we  do  not  think  it  advisable. 

Ministers  Who  do  not  Expect  to  Commune. — Is  it  right  for  a  minister  to 
take  his  seat  on  the  stand  at  a  communion  meeting  when  he  does  not  intend 
to  commune?  Decided  we  think  it  wrong,  because  he  would  not  be  an  example 
to  the  flock  according  to  I  Peter  5:3. 

Offenders  to  Make  Restitution. — When  a  brother  is  found  in  error  by  tak- 
ing advantage  of  his  fellow-man,  and  the  church  requires  an  acknowledgment 
of  him  should  he  not  make  the  money  good  before  acknowledgment  is  made? 
Decided  that  he  should  as  far  as  possible. 

Applicants  to  Conform  in  Dress. — When  persons  apply  for  membership 
in  the  church  should  not  the  bishop  lay  before  them  the  importance  of  con- 
forming to  the  usages  of  the  church  in  the  way  of  dress?  Decided  that  the 
bishop  should  so  instruct  them. 

Call  for  Deacon. — Bishop  Cof^man  asked  permission  to  ordain  a  deacon 
in  West  Virginia.       Granted. 

Conference  closed  with   praj'er  and  singing  hymn   179. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Samuel   Coffman,  Jacob  Hildebrand,   Abraham  Shank. — 3. 

Ministers: — John  Geil,  Daniel  Showalter,  Samuel  Shank,  George  Brunk, 
Sem.  S.  Weaver,  Daniel  S.  Heatwole,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole, 
David  H.  Landes,  Abram  B.  Burkholder,  Solomon  Beery,  Henry  Wenger, 
Abram  B.  Wenger,  Lewis  Shank,  Isaac  Grove,  Jos.  N.  Driver,  Christian  Brunk, 
Daniel   Mellinger,   Daniel  Roth,  of  Maryland. — 19. 

Deacons: — Fred  A.  Rhodes,  Christian  Good,  Daniel  H.  Good,  David  E. 
Rhodes,  Jacob  Geil,  Peter  Blosser,  Christian  Shank,  Michaef  Shank.  Jacob 
Good,  Jacob  Landes. — 10. 

Total   number   of   Bishops,   Ministers   and   Deacons  32. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  MAY  1885 

Conference  met  at  Ilildebrands  Church  (Upper  District),  May  8th  and  9th,. 
1885.     Opened  Friday  morning  at  nine  o'clock. 

Michael   Shank,   Moderator.     David   H.   Landis,   Secretary. 

Devotional  exercises.  Singing,  Psalm  50  and  praj-er. 

Admonitions  by  Bishops  Hildebrand,  Coffman  and  Shank. 

Ministers  and  deacon^  in  the  usual  order  spoke  earnestly  with  reference  to 
the  need  of  renewed  energy  on  their  part  to  advance  the  cause  of  Christ  and 
to  win  souls  for  his  kingdom. 


•Mission   Boards   autliorized   to   maintain   mission   funds   were   fully    sanctioned   Ijy   later   sessions- 
of  the  conference. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  39 

Friday  Afternoon 

Devotional  exercises,  singing  and  prayer. 

Moderator  declared  conference  ready  for  business. 

Choosing  Arbitrators: — If  brethren  and  sisters  have  difificulty  in  settling 
financial  matters,  should  they  be  confined  to  the  church  membership  only  in 
-choosing  arbitrators?  Decided  that  they  should  be  confined  to  the  church  ac- 
cording to  I  Cor.  6th  chapter. 

Acknowledgments,  to  Whom  Made. — When  a  member  violates  the  rules  of 
the  church  and  an  acknowledgment  is  required  by  the  church  would  it  not  be 
better  for  the  transgressor  to  make  his  own  statement  and  ask  pardon,  than 
for  the  bishop  to  make  the  statement?    Rejected. 

Difficulties  between  Members. — If  a  member  has  a  difificulty  with  another, 
should  they  not,  after  Matt.  18  has  been  complied  with,  be  required  to  bring 
their  complaint  direct  to  the  bishop?  Decided  that  they  should  bring  it  to  the 
bishop. 

Saturday  Forenoon 

Devotional  exercises;  Singing;  Ephesians,  4th  chapter  and  prayer. 

Moderator  announced  conference  ready  for  further  business. 

*Objectionable  Clause  in  former  Conference. — In  Minutes  of  Conference 
for  September,  1869,  where  the  query  appears,  "Is  it  right  to  report  a  thief  to 
the  civil  authorities,"  the  following  correction  is  made:  "Is  it  right  for  a  mem- 
ber of  Christ's  Church  to  volunteer  as  a  police  ofificer  to  arrest  a  thief." 

Application  for  Membership. — When  names  of  applicants  for  membership 
are  published,  would  it  not  be  well  to  ask  them  to  remain  for  instruction  after 
the  regular  service,  and  at  the  same  time  invite  others  to  remain  with  them 
also  as  applicants  for  membership?     Decided  in  the  afifirmative. 

Present  System  of  conducting  Conference. — The  present  system  of  con- 
■ducting  conference  not  being  agreeable  to  all  its  members,  it  was  ordered  that 
hereafter  arranging  committees  plan  the  questions  without  framing  an  answer 
to  them  beforehand. 

Call  for  Minister. — Bishop  Shank  asked  permission  to  ordain  a  minister  in 
Hardy  county.  West  Virginia.     Granted. 

Proceedings  of  Conference. — It  was  agreed  that  Abram  Blosser  be  allowed 
to  print  the  conference  proceedings  and  to  get  his  pay  through  their  sale  to 
such  as  may  desire  them. 

Conference   adjourned   with   praj'er   and   singing. 

Members   present   at   this   conference:  ^  .  ■ 

Bishops: — Jacob  Hildebrand,  Samuel  Coffman,  Abrain  Shank. — 3. ;    .        : 

Ministers: — Jos,.  N.  Driver,  Christian  Brunk,  A.  B.  Burkholder,  Jos.  F. 
Heatwole,  Lewis  Shank,  Abram  B.,  Wenger,  Daniel  S.  Heatwole,,  Gabriel  D. 
Heatwole,  David  H.  Landis,  Samuel  Shank,  Jacob  R.  Hildebrand,  Isaac  Grove, 
John  Geil,  Solomon  Beery,  Daniel  Mellinger,  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Daniel  Roth,  of 
Maryland  and  Philip  H.  Parret  of  Penn.syivania.^ — 18.  '   ' 

Deaco'ns: — Samuel  Weaver,  Jacob  Landis,  Ciiristian  Good,  John  Whitmer, 
Daniel  H.  Go6d.— 5. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  26. 


*This  "apparent  error  or  oversight  appearing  on  the  records  of  this  conference  was  not  di'scoVefed 
\intil  after  the  pamphlet  of  1884,  containing  proceedings  of  conference  up  until  that  j-ear, 
was  printed  and  had  gone  into  general  circulation  among  the  brotherhood.  This  accounts 
for  the  correction  being  made  at  so  late^a  date. 


40  VIRGINIA    COXFEREXCE    MINUTES 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  OCTOBER  1885 

Conference  met  at  the  Kernstown  Church  (Winchester  District),  October 
2nd  and  3rd.  1885.     Opened  Friday  morning  at  9  o'clock. 

Joseph  N.  Driver,  Moderator.     David  H.  Landis,  Secretary. 

Devotional  Exercises:  Singing;  Rom.  12  chapter,  and  prayer. 

Admonitions  by  bishops  Hildebrand,  Coffman  and  Shank.  Each  spoke 
earnestly  upon  the  important  duties  of  the  ministry. 

Ministers  and  deacons  each  responded  as  customary  to  their  call — each  one 
feeling  very  sensibly  the  duties  and  responsibilities  resting  upon  them.  Jos.  N. 
Driver  and  Daniel  S.  Heatwole  chosen  Moderators.. 

Friday  Afternoon 

Devotional  Exercises:  Singing  and  prayer. 

Moderator  declared  conference  ready  for  business. 

Call  for  Deacons: — Bishop  Hildebrand  asked  permission  to  ordain  two 
deacons  in  Upper  district.     Granted. 

Correcting  Mistakes  in  Minutes. — Conference  agreed  upon  a  form  for  cor- 
recting errata  that  may  occur  in  the  minutes,  and  that  such  correcting  may  be 
made  on  the  margin  of  the  page   where  it  occurs. 

Treatment  of  restored  Members. — Members,  who  by  transgression  have 
caused  general  pain  and  grief  to  the  church,  after  having  given  satisfaction  and 
become  reconciled,  should  not  general  friendship  and  love  be  again  manifested 
toward  them?     Decided  in  the  afifirmative. 

Croquet  Games  and  Ten-pin-alley  Rolling. — Inasmuch  as  these  forms  of 
worldb'  amusement  are  become  so  prevalent  should  we  not  protest  against 
members  indulging  in  them  or  allowing  them  among  them?  Decided  that  we 
enter  our  protest  against  both  games. 

Saturday  Forenoon 

Devotional  Exercises:  Singing;  I  Cor.  12th  chapter,  and  prayer. 

Daniel  S.  Heatwole  as  moderator  declared  conference  ready  for  busine.<is. 

Conference  Minutes. — Decided  not  to  print  them  to  be  sent  abroad  in  the 
world,  tliat  they  l)e  correctly  recorded  in  a  book  and  kept  within  the  limits  of 
the  church. 

Harvest  Meetings. — Should  not  our  Harvest  meetings  be  held  uniformly 
on  the  same  date  in  each  of  the  districts?  Decided  that  Harvest  meetings  be 
held  in  the  districts  on  the  3rd  Thursday  of  August,  each  year. 

Conference  closed  with  prayer  and   singing. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Jacob  Hildebrand,  Samuel  Cofifman  and  Abram  Shank. — 3. 

Ministers: — Daniel  S.  Heatwole,  Jos.  N.  Driver,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole.  Jos. 
F.  Heatwole,  Solomon  Beery,  David  H.  Landis,  Abram  B.  Burkholder.  George 
Brunk,  John  Geil,  Christian  Brunk,  Daniel  Mellinger,  Abram  B.  Wenger,  Philip 
H.  Parret.  of  Pennsylvania,  Henry  H.  Good,  of  Ohio. — 14. 

Deacons: — Fred  A.  Rhodes.  Christian  Good.  Daniel  H.  Good,  David  E.  Rhode^ 
Jacob  Landis,  John  Whitmer,  Jacob  A.   Greider,  of  Pennsylvania. — 7. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  24. 


VIRGINIA    COXFEREXCE    MINUTES  41 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  APRIL,  1886 

Conference  met  at  Brannemans  Church  (Lower  District),  May  14th  and 
15th.    Opened  Friday  morning  at  nine  o'clock. 

Joseph  N.  Driver,  Moderator.     David  H.  Landis,  Secretary. 

Devotional  Exercises:    Singing;  2  Cor.  4th  chapter,  and  prayer. 

y\dmonition  given  by  Bishop  Samuel  Coffman  who  was  the  only  bishop 
present  during  the  opening  exercises — the  others  being  delayed  on  the  way  to 
conference  by  reason  of  the  heavy  thunder  showers  and  high  waters  that  pre- 
vailed during  the  morning  and  forenoon. 

Ministers  and  deacons  spoke  in  turn  as  called  upon.  ^ 

Friday  Afternoon 

Devotional    Exercises:    Singing  and   prayer. 
Conference  proceeded  to  business. 

Statements  by  Offending  Members. — Should  an  offending  member  have 
privilege  to  make  statement  to  the  church?  Decided  that  cases  of  contention 
and  strife  between  members  be  inquired  into  by  the  deacons  and  reduced  to 
writing  and  same  then  be  reported  to  the  church. 

Applicants  for  Membership. — Should  not  all  applicants  for  membership  be 
insl?-ucted  distinctly  and  carefully  that  they  must  comply  with  Matt.  18th  chap- 
ter in  all  matters  of  complaint  before  they  c^n  be  heard  by  the  church  ofificials? 
Decided  in  the  affirmative. 

Leavened  Bread. — Is  it  in  accordance  with  God's  word  to  use  leavened 
bread  for  sacramental  purposes?  Decided  that  we  use  same  bread  as  before — • 
with  leaven. 

Worldly  Conventions. — Is  it  consistent  for  a  brother  to  accept  an  appoint- 
ment to  a  worldly  convention?     Decided  in  negative. 

Marriage  Ceremonies. — In  cases  where  our  children  are  married  to  persons 
not  members  of  the  church  would  it  not  be  better  for  our  bishops  to  unite  them 
in  matrimony  rather  than  to  call  a  minister  from  another  denomination  to  per- 
form the  ceremony? 

Decided  to  coiitinue  as  before;  that  our  bishops  marry  such  couples 
where  both  are  memibers  of  the  church. 

Divorce. — Does  Christ's  mention  of  the  cause  for  a  man  putting  away  his 
wife,  mean  that  they  are  separated  the  same  as  though  they  had  never  been 
married?     Decided  that  he  mentions  a  cause  for  putting  her  away. 

Time  of  Feet-Washing. — Should  our  members  be  engaged  in  the  ordinance 
of  feet-washing  before  the  close  of  the  customary  address  on  that  subject? 
Decided  not  to  engage  in  the  ordinance  while  the  speaking  is  in  progress,  so 
that  all  may  hear  what  is  said. 

*Birth  Day  Parties.— Should  professors  of  religion  take  any  part  in  birth- 
day parties  and  such  like?     Decided  not  right. 

The  Mustache. — Reference  was  made  to  a  previous  conference  where  pro- 
test was  made  against  brethren  wearing  the  mustache.  Same  re-affirmed  in 
this  conference  explanations  were  made  by  bishops. 

Jos-  N.  Driver  and  Emmanuel  Suter  were  elected  moderator  and  secretary 


"■BiriJi-day  parties  of  this  period  had  become  very  popular  and  because  of  their  irreligious  nature 
and  the  rivalry  and  excess  in  the  way  of  giving  presents,  accounts  in  great  part  for  tiis 
conference  raising  its  protest   against   them. 


42  VIRGINIA    COXFEREXXE    MINUTES 

respective!}-  by  ballot  for  the  next  two  years^t  having  been  previouslj-  decided 
that  the  moderator  be  chosen  from  the  conference  body,  and  the  secretary 
from  the  laymen  outside  said  body. 

Members  present  at  this  conference; 

Bishops: — Jacob  Hildebrand,  Samuel  CofYman,  John  Gcil,  Abram  Shank. 
—4. 

Ministers: — Daniel  Showaltc.r,  George  Brunk,  Samuel  Shank,  Lewis  Shank, 
Christian  Brunk,  Daniel  Mellinger,  Henry  Wenger,  Daniel  S.  Heatwole,  Gab- 
riel D.  Heatwole,  Peter  S.  Heatwole,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  David  H.  Landis.  Sem 
S.  Weaver,  Solomon  Beery,  Abram  B.  Burkholder,  Abram  B.  Wenger.  Isaac 
Grove,  Jacob  R.  Hildebrand,  John  Geil,  Jos.  N.  Driver,  Daniel  Roth,  of  Mary- 
latid.— 21. 

Deacons: — Fred  A.  Rhodes,  Christian  Good,  Daniel  H.  Good,  David  E. 
Rhodes,  Jacob  Showalter,  Jacob  Landis,  Martin  Brunk,  Anthony  P.  Heatwole, 
Peter  Blosser,  Jacob  Geil,  Christian  Shank. — 11. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  36. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  OCTOBER  1886 

Conference  met  at  the  Springdale  Church  (Upper  District),  October  1st 
and  2nd,  1886.    (3pened  Firday  morning  at  nine  o'clock. 

Joseph  N.  Driver,  Moderator.     Emanuel  Suter,  Secretary. 

Admonitions  bj'  Bishops  Hildebrand,  Coffman,  Shank  and  Hunsbery,  of 
Pennsylvania — the  latter  spoke  of  the  difference  in  manner  of  conducting  con- 
ference here  and  where  he  was  at  home,  yet  felt  greatl}'  pleased  with  the 
change. 

Ministers  and  deacons  all, responded  in  earnest  talks  after  being  called  on  in 
turn  by  Deacon  Fred  A.  Rhodes. 

Friday  Afternoon 

Call  for  Ministers. — Bishop  Coffman  asked  the  privilege  to  ordain  one  or 
two  ministers  in   Middle   District.     Granted. 

Fairs. — Should  members  be  allowed  to  take  part  in  conducting  fairs?  De- 
cided, not  to  be  allowed.  Should  they  be  allowed  to  exhibit  goods  at  a  fair? 
Decided  again  that  they  should  not. 

Open  Violations. — Should  not  members  who  openly  violate  th-e  -gospel  I)e 
required  to  make  a  public  acknowledgment,  or  at  least  before  the  body  of  the 
church  according  to  I  Tim.  5:20?  "Them  that  sin  rebuke  before  all."  Answer — 
To  rebuke  a  member  means  to  expell  him  frorri  the  church:  T©  be.- restored,  he 
should  make  acknowledgment  before  the  body. of  the  churc;h. 

Call  -for  Minister. —  Bishop  Hildebrand  requests  permission  to  ordain  a 
minister   in    L^pper    District.      Granted.  ■'  -  • 

Conference  closed  with  singing  the  60th  hymn  an<l.' prayer."  ■      '     ■^• 

Members  present: 

Bishops: — Jacob  Hildebrand,  Samuel  Coffman,  Abram  ShtihTC-,  John  B. 
Hunsbery, -of  Pennsylvania;- — 4. 

Ministers: — Daniel  Mellinger,  Christian  Brunk,  Jos.  N.  Driver,  Isaac  Grove, 
Jacob  R.  Hildebrand,  John  Geil,  Samuel  Shank,  Daniel  S.  Heatwole,  Gabriel  D. 
Heatwole,    Jos.    F.    Heatwole,    Abram    P.    Wenger,    Abram     B.     Burkholder, 

David  H.  Landis,  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Solomon  Beery,  Peter  S.  Heatwole, 

■Wisman,  of  Pennsylvania. — 17. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  43 

Deacons: — Fred  A.  Rhodes,  Simeon  Heatwole,  David  E.  Rhodes,  Christian 
Good,  Daniel  H.  Good,  Jacob  Landis,  Samuel  Weaver,  Anthony  P.  Heatwole, 
Martin   Brunk. — 9. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  30. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  MAY  1887 

C'jnference  convened  at  Weavers  Church  (Middle  District),  May  13th  and 
14th,  1887.     Opened  exercises  at  9  o'clock  Friday  morning. 

Joseph  N.  Driver,  Moderator.     Emanuel  Suter,  Secretary. 

Admonitions  by  bishops,  Hildebrand,  Coffman,  Shank  and  Geil.  The  aged 
bishops  Hildebrand  and  Geil  gave  earnest  exhortation  to  all  younger  members 
of  conference   to  be  faithful  to   the  charge   committed   to   them. 

AEinisters  and  deacons  responded  as  they  were  called  upon  by  Deacon  Fre^ 
A.  Rhodes. 

Friday  Afternoon 

Call  for  Ministers. — Bishop  Hildebrand  asked  permission  to  ordain  two 
ministers  in  Upper  District.     Granted. 

Call  for  Ministers. — Bishop  Coffman  renews  request  made  at  the  former 
conference  lor  permission  to  ordain  two  ministers  in  Middle  District.     Granted. 

Selling  Cider  or  Wine. — Should  a  member  be  allowed  to  sell  strong  cider 
or  wine  to  minors  or  persons  who  they  know  to  become  intoxicated?  Decided 
that  it  is  wrong  to  do  so. 

Administration  of  Oath  or  Affirmation. — Can  a  member  hold  such  a  posi- 
tion in  worldly  affairs  that  require  the  administration  of  an  oath  or  affirmation? 
Decided  not  right  to  hold  such  position. 

The  Lord's  Prayer — When  to  be  used. — Is  it  obligatory  for  our  ministers 
to  close  all  public  prayers  with  the  Eord's  prayer;  if  so  what  is  the  rule  that 
requires  it?  Answer — This  conference  leaves  it  optional  with  the  minister  to 
use  it  or  omit  it  in  public  prayer. 

The  New  Hymn  Book. — Would  this  conference  authorize  the  publishing 
of  a  new  hymn  book  with  our  hymns  set  to  music  with  a  selection  of  such  other 
hymns  as  may  be  suitable  for  public  worship  and  Sunday  Schools?  Decided  in 
the  affirmative. 

The  New  Hymn  Book  Committee. — On  motion  conference  chose  a  com- 
mittee of  three  who  were  to  act  as  corresponding  committee  to  write  to  the 
various  churches  in  the  United  States  and  Canada  inviting  co-operation  with 
this  conference  in  the  work.  The  committee  was  chosen  by  ballot  as  follows: 
Samuel  Shank,  Emanuel  Suter  and  C.  H.  Brunk. 

Announcing  Time  of  Conference. — On  motion  the  secretary  of  this  con- 
ference is  authorized  to  publish  through  the  church  papers  the  time  and  place 
of  meeting  of  each  conference  in  future. 

Conference  closed  with  prayer  and  singing  of  the  S6th  hjann. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Jacob  Hildebrand,  Samuel  Cof¥man,  Abraham  Shank,  John 
Geil.— 4. 

Ministers: — Jos.  N.  Driver,  Christian  Brunk,  Daniel  S.  Heatwole,  Abram  B. 
Burkholder,  Seni  S.  Weaver,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  David  H. 
Landis,  Solomon  Beery,  George  Brunk,  Abram  B.  Wenger,  Samuel  Shank, 
Peter  S.  Heatwole,  John  Geil,  Jacob  R.  Hildebrand.  Isaac  Grove,  Lewis 
Shank,  Henry  Wenger. — 18. 


44  VIRGINIA    COXFERENXE    MINUTES 

Deacons: — Samuel  Weaver,  Michael  Shank,  Martin  Brunk,  Christian  Shank, 
Anthony  P.  Heatwole,  Jacob  Showalter,  Daniel  H.  Good,  Christian  Good.  Peter 
Blosser.  Jacob  Landis,  David  E.  Rhodes,  Simeon  Heatwole,  Jacob  Geil,  Fred 
A.  Rhodes.— 14. 

Total   number  of  Bishops,   Ministers  and   Deacons  36. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  OCTOBER  1887 

Conference  assembled  at  Zion  Church  (Lower  District),  Ojjtober  7th  and 
8th.   1887.     Opening  exercises   Friday  morning  at  9  o'clock. 

Moderator,  Joseph  N.  Driver.     Secretary,  Emanuel  Suter. 

Admonitions  by   Bishops   Hildebrand,  Coffman,   Shank  and   Geil. 

Ministers  and  deacons  all  gave  exhortation  in  turn  as  called  upon  by  Dea- 
con Fred  A.  Rhodes. 

Friday  Afternoon 

Signing  Assessment  Blanks. — Bishop  Coffman  gave  general  caution  to  tne 
brotherhood  concerning  the  affixing  of  names  to  assessment  blanks  aftes  the 
statements:    "solemnly   swear."  or,  "so  help  me   God." 

Coffins  for  Poor  Members. — When  the  church  is  expected  to  pay  for  cotfins 
would  it  not  be  expedient  for  the  conference  to  hx  a  uniform  price?  Decided 
that  six  dollars  ($6.00)  be  paid  out  of  church  fund  for  such  purposes. 

Collection  of  Claims  by  Law. — Can  a  brother  who  acts  as  administrator 
for  an  estate  be  allowed  to  use  the  law  in  settlement  of  claims  that  cannot  be 
otherwise  collected?  Decided  that  where  loss  would  otherwise  be  sustained 
a  brother  may  use  the  law  under  such  circumstances. 

Brethren  who  Refuse  to  go  into  the  Lot. — Can  such  be  consistently  held  in 
full  communion  with  the  church?  Decided  that  it  is  the  church's  duty  to  ex- 
ercise forbearance  and  retain  them  in  full  standing. 

Taking  Sacrament  with  other  Denominations. — How  shall  the  church  deal 
with  a  member  who  communes  with  other  denominations,  after  being  kindly 
entreated  not  to  do  so  yet  justifies  himself  in  continuing  in  that  course?  A 
prolonged  discussion  of  the  subject  brought  forth  the  following  answer: 
"According  to  our  understanding  of  the  Word  of  God  it  is  inconsistent  for 
members  of  our  cluirch  to  commune  with  other  denominations." 

Arranging  Committee. — Jacob  R.  Hildebrand,  Daniel  S.  Heatwole  and 
Samuel  Shank  were  chosen  ])y  ballot  as  the  new  arranging  committee. 

Report  of  New  Hymn  Book  Committee, — consisted  in  this  much  that  the 
new  Hymnal  is  favorable  but  that  as  yet  not  a  sufficient  degree  of  encourage- 
ment had  been  received  from  the  churches  elsewhere  to  begin  the  work. 

Conference  closed  with  prayer  and  singing  the  2nd  hymn  in  the  supple- 
menv. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Jacob  Hildebrand,  Samuel  Coffman,  Abrani  Shank.  John  Geil. 
—4. 

Ministers: — Jos.  N.  Driver.  Jacob  R.  Hildebrand,  Christian  Brunk,  Samuel 
Shank,  Isaac  Grove.  Henry  Wenger,  Solomon  Beery.  George  Brunk,  Christian 
Good,  Daniel  S.  Heatwole,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  Abram  B. 
Burkholder,  Joseph  Hashbarger,  Daniel  Mellinger,  Peter  S  .Heatwole.  Anthony 
P.  Heatwole.  Lewis  J.  Heatwole.  John  Geil,  Abram  B.  Wenger,  David  H.  Lan- 
dis, Lewis  Shank. — 22. 

Deacons: — Michael  Shank,  Christian  Shank,  John  \\'hitnier,  Samuel  Weav- 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  45 

er.  Daniel  H.  Good,  Jacob  Landis.  Jacob  Geil,  Jacob  Showalter,  David  E. 
Rhodes,  Peter  Blosser,  Fred  A.  Rhodes. — 11. 

Total  number  of   Bishops,   Ministers  and   Deacons  37. 

(On  the  6th  day  of  January  1888  there  was  a  called  Session  of  the  Confer- 
ence held  at  Weaver's  church  which  took  into  consideration  the  New  Hymn 
Book  Matter.  The  business  transacted  consisted  in  making  outline  plans  for 
the  size  of  the  book,  the  number  cf  hymns,  omitting  of  certain  stanzas  of  the 
longer  hymns,  the  selection  of  new  hymns  and  tunes;  and  last  of  all  the  election 
of  a  compiling  committee.  For  the  latter:  Samuel  Shank,  C.  H.  Brunk  and 
Emanuel  Suter  were  elected  by  ballot.) 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  MAY  1888 

Conference  met  at  Springdale  Church  (Upper  District).  ]\Iay  11th  and 
12th.  1888.     Opening  exercises  Friday  morning  at  9  o'clock. 

Moderator,  Joseph  N.  Driver.     Secretary,  Emanuel  Suter. 

Admonition  by  Bishops  Coffman  and  Shank — a  brief  letter  from  Bishop 
Jacob  Hildebrand  stated  that  he  was  unable  to  attend  conference  by  reason 
of  failing  health. 

Ministers  and  deacons  made  short  addresses  in  such  good  form  that  all 
felt  edified  and  encouraged  therefrom. 

Friday  Afternoon 

Customs  at  Funerals.— Is  it  not  inconsistent  with  the  solemnity  of  the 
'  hour  to  give  general  invitation  from  the  pulpit  at  time  of  a  funeral  to  return  to 
the  home  of  the  mourning  family  for  refreshm,ents?  Decided  not  consistent 
with  the  occasion. 

Call  for  the  Ordination  of  a  Bishop.— Through  a  note  from  Bishop  Jacob 
Hildebrand  and  read  by  Bishop  Coffman.  request  was  made  for  the  ordination 
of  a  bishop  in  the  Upper  district.     Granted. 

Choosing  of  Moderator  and  Secretary. — In  choosing  officers  for  conference 
in  next  two  years,  Samuel  Shank  was  made  moderator  and  Emanuel  Suter 
secretary. 

Attendance  at  Conference.— An  earnest  plea  is  hereby  entered  by  this  con- 
ference body  that  every  member  thereof  should  be  present  at  all  its  sessions, 
as  far  as  possible,  and  to  allow  no  secular  matter  to  prohibit  them  from  doing 
so.     Above  was  adopted  by  unanimous  vote. 

Publishing  Expelled  Members,— As  it  is  the  rule  to  publish  the  names  of  all 
applicants  for  membership,  would  it  not  be  fully  as  important  to  publish  names 
of  persons  who  are  expelled  or  have  withdrawn  from  the  church?  Decided  that 
names  of  all  such  persons  be  announced  publicly  as  having  been  expelled  or  are 
svithdrawn  from  the  church. 

*The  New  Hymn  &  Tune  Book, — formed  a  topic  for  discussion.  Bro. 
Henry  S.  Rupp.  of  Pennsylvania  and  member  of  the  Compiling  Committee  to 

*It  was  at  about  this  period  tliat  what  is  now  known  as  "THE  OLD  PEOPLK'S  SOXU 
SERVICE"  was  established  with  the  Weavers  church  congregation  in  IMiddle  district.  The 
following  report,  which  appeared  in  The  Gospel  Witness  of  January  1-906  shows  the  nature  of 
these   meetings. 

"The  Old  People's  Singing,"  which  has  every  once  and  awhile— at  intervals  of  from  two  to 
three  years  apart — been  held  by  the  Weavers  congregation  in  Rockingham  county,  Virgmia : 
again  materialized  in  good  form  on  ^ew  Year's  Day.  As  the  roads  were  good  and  the  weather 
especially  fine,  the  fathers  and  mothers,  the  grandfathers  and  grandmothers  of  the  community, 
ranging      in   age   from    35    to   80    years,    turned   eirt   in    goodly    number,    each   bearing   his    or    her 


46  VIRGINIA    CONFEREN'CE    MINUTES 

represent  the  Lancaster  Conference  proposed  that  the  original  sterotype  plates 
be  made  church  property  and  that  the  Publishing  house  that  prints  them  be 
paid  a  per  cent  for  printing  and,  binding. 

The   Lancaster  proposition   was  accepted  by  this   conference. 

Secret  Organizations. — On  motion  it  was  resolved  that  this  conference 
reiterates  its  protest  against  all  secret  organizations  which  includes  the  Far- 
mer's Alliance  now  so  much  in  vogue. 

Conference  adjourned  with  prayer  and  singing  the  55th  hymn. 

(Promptly  at  2  o'clock  public  services  began  when  at  the  close  of  the 
sermon  Preacher  Joseph  N.  Driver  was  ordained  to  the  office  of  bishop,  by  the 
laying  on  of  hands  of  the  two  bishops  present,  Coffman  and  Shank.  Bro.  Driver 
was  called  to  this  important  ofSce  by  the  united  voice  of  the  church  in  Upper 
district,  and  the  ordination  service,  as  conducted  in  the  presence  of  the  church 
and  the  conference,  was  peculiarly  solemn). 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Samuel  Coffman,  Abram  Shank. — 2. 

Ministers: — Jos.  X.  Driver,  Samqel  Shank,  Isaac  Grove,  Abram  B.  Burk- 
holder,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  John  Geil,  Abram  B.  Wenger,  Solomon  Beery, 
Christian  Good,  Jacob  R.  Hildebrand,  Peter  S.  Heatwole,  Anthony  P.  Heat- 
wole. Lewis  J.   Heatwole,  Joseph  Hashbarger. — 14. 

Deacons: — Michael  Shank,  Samuel  Weaver,  Martin  Brunk,  Daniel  H.  Good, 
Jacob  Landis,  Peter  Blosser,  David  E.  Rhodes,  Fred  A.  Rhodes.  Christian 
Shank,  Henry  S.  Rnpp,  of  Pennsylvania. — 10. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  26. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  OCTOBER  1888 

Conference   convened  at  the   Bank  Church    (Middle  District),   October  5th 
and  6th,    1888.     Opening   exercises   Friday  morning  at   nine   o'clock. 
Moderator,   Samuel   Shank.      Secretary,   Emanuel   Suter. 


copy  of  The  Harmonia  Sacra — a  work  that  was  published  by  Joseph  Funk  &  Sons  of 
Singers  Glen,   Virginia,   early   in  the  fifties. 

This  song  book  was  then,  and  is  yet  being  considered  by  many  as  one  of  the  best  collec- 
tions of  hymns  ever  introduced  into  this  section  of  the  state;  and  as  a  hand-book  on  church 
music, — none  had  been  more  extensively  in  use  among  Mennonites  in  Virginia,  previous  to  the 
year  1876,  with  which  year  the  work  went  out  of  publication  after  having  run  through  perhaps 
18   or   20   editions. 

The  exercises  were  begun  with  scriptural  reading  and  prayer,  after  which  tlie  singers 
were  arranged  after  the  manner  of  the  old  time  classes — with  tlie  basses  and  tenors  to  the  right 
•of  the  leader,  and  the  altos  and  sopranos  to  the  left. 

The  grand  and  never-to-be-worn-out  old  harmonies  were  selected  and  sung  after  the 
following  order :  "Old  Hundred,  Benevento,  Wesley"  Greenfields,  Utica,  Lingham,  Archdale, 
Voice  of  Peace,  Star  of  Bethlehem,  Royal  Proclamation,  and  many  others — while  the  anthems ; 
such  as:  Jerusalem  My  Glorious  Home,  Easter  Anthem,  Heavenly  Vision,  Gospel  Illumina- 
tion, and  Farewell  Anthem"  were  sung  with  the  same  earnestness  and  "joist  lifting"  zeal  so 
characteristic  of  the  singers  of  40  and  SO  years  ago. 

Though  forenoon  and  afternoon  sessions  were  held,  there  was  not  near  time  enough  to  use 
all  the  selections — some  having  been  sent  in  by  individuals  who  were  not  able  to  be  there  in 
person.  The  day  served  to  recall  many  pleasant  recollections  of  the  long  cherished  past,  when 
the  great  wave  of  sacred  song  swept  through  the  Shenandoah  Valley  and  made  many  singing 
families,  in  which  the  love  of  sacred   song  has  never  since  ceased  to  exist. 

Another  feature  of  the  meeting  and  perhaps  the  one  most  painfully  felt  by  all  was  the 
personal  absence  and  inspiration  of  many  singers  of  former  days,  who  have  either  removed  to 
•distant  lands,  or  gone  to  join  the  choir  above." 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  47 

Bishops    Cofifman,    Shank    and    Driver    made    usual    admonitions. 
Ministers  and  deacons  spoke  in  the  interests  and  welfare  of  one  another 
and  the  prosperity  of  the  church  as  called  upon  by  Deacon  Fred  A.  Rhodes. 

Friday  Afternoon 

Points  On  Confession  of  Faith. — The  imporance  of  having  the  introductory 
part,  and  note  attached  to  21st  article  of  The  Confession  of  Faith  read  to  our 
congregations  at  least  once  a  year  was  under  consideration,  but  was  deferred 
till  the  next  conference. 

The  Wearing  of  Watch-chains  by  members  and  ministers  was  warmly 
discussed  and  was  decided  that  such  be  dealt  with  in  accordance  with  resolu- 
tions adopted  at  conferences  of  September  1877  and  April  1878. 

Marrying  First  Cousins. — Is  it  in  accordance  with  New  Testament  script- 
ures for  members  of  the  church  of  Christ  to  marry  their  first  coiisins? 

Decided  that  the  New  Testament  is  silent  on  this  point,  but  the  con- 
ference would  advise  against  such  marriages. 

Conference  adjourned,  with  prayer  and  singing  34th  hymn  in  supplement. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Samuel  Cofifman,  Abram  Shank,  Jos.   N.   Driver. — 3. 

Ministers: — Jacob  R.  Hildebrand,  Christian  Brunk,  Daniel  S.  Heatwole,. 
Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  Christian  Good,  Abram  B.  Wenger,  John  Geil,  Jos.  F. 
Heatwole,  Lewis  J.  Heatwole,  Solomon  Beery,  George  Brunk,  Samuel  Shank. 
Anthony  P.  Heatwole,  Peter  S.  Heatwole,  Daniel  Mellinger,  Sem  S.  Weaver, 
Lewis  Shank,  Joseph  Hashbarger,  Samuel  Bauman,  of  Canada.  Abram  B.  Burk- 
. holder.— 20. 

Deacons: — Michael  Shank,  Simeon  Heatwole,  Daniel  H.  Good.  Jacob  Geii, 
Jacob  Showalter,  Christian  Shank,  Peter  Blosser,  Samuel  Weaver,  Jacob  Lan- 
dis,  Fred  A.  Rhodes.— 10. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,   Ministers  and  Deacons  33. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR   MAY   1889 

'■Conference  met  at  Brannemans  Church   (Lower   District),  \M'ay   10th  and 
11th.   1889:     Openmg  exercises  Frida;^  morning  at  9  o'clock. 

Aloderator,   Samuel   Shank  .   Secretary,   Emanuel  Stiter. 

Exhortations  by  bishops  Cofifman,  Hildebrand^  Shank  and  Driver. 
...Miiiisfers  and  deacons  all  responded  in  turn  briefly  stating  th-eir  w.illing- 
nes's  to  faithfully  perform  their   several  duties..    .:  .  -•    .     . 

,  ,:  -  Friday  Afternoon  •    ;,:  ■ 

Series  6f  Meetings.^The  question  of  series  of  meetings  in  our  churches 
«ras-' presented  by-  Bishop  Abram  Shank  who  made  mention 'that  more  than 
three  meetings  at  a  tirhe  at  one  place  had  been  held  since  last  conference  con- 
trary to  a  general  understanding  that  after  the  third  meeting  at  one  place,  such 
meetings  should  cl(5se.  .  ■ 

After  the  discussion  had  been  continued  for  some  time,  in  which  much  was 
said  on  both  sides,  it  was  agreed  that  all  return  to  matters  as  they^-Sttoc*!  >at  the 
last  conference — nothing  to.be  required  of  anyone.  ;    --i.-rk 

,  ^    Obscene  Matters.— S.hou Id  the  particulars  of  a  case  that  is  of  an  obscene 
nature  be  generally  reported  to  the  church  for  action? 

Decided  that  it  sha.ll  be  the -duty  ^of  the  ministers  and  deacons 'fd  meet 
in  regular  counsel  to  decide  sucji'^ases. among  themselves. 


48  VIRGINIA    CONFEREXXE    ]\IIXUTES 

The  Twenty-ninth  Article  of  our  Confession  of  Faith. — The  shunning  or 
avoiding  of  excomnuinicated  members  not  being  practiced  with  our  people 
in  Virginia  as  in  other  states,  what  would  this  conference  recommend  as  a 
plan  for  giving  satisfaction  to  such  meml)ers  who  may  inquire  for  the  reason 
it  is  not  so  practiced  here? 

Decided  that  a  committee  of  three  brethren  be  appointed  to  answer  all 
such  inquiries.  The  following  brethren  were  elected  by  ballot:  Abram  Shank, 
Daniel  S.  Heatwole,  Jos.  X.  Driver. 

Conference  closed  with  prayer  and  singing  39th  hymn  in  supplement. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Jacob  Hildebrand,  Samuel  Coffman,  Abram  Shank,  Joseph  N. 
Driver. — 4. 

Ministers: — Christian  Brunk,  Henry  Wenger,  Samuel  Shank,  Gabriel  D. 
Heatwole.  Daniel  S.  Heatwole,  Abram  B.  Burkholder,  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Daniel 
Mellinger.  John  Geil,  Peter  S.  Heatwole,  Jacob  R.  Hildebrand,  Joseph  Hash- 
barger.  Lewis  J.  Heatwole,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  Christian  Good,  Solomon  Beery, 
Anthony  P.   Heatwole,  Abram   B.  Wenger,  Lewis  Shank. — 19. 

Deacons: — Michael  Shank,  David  E.  Rhodes,  Jacob  Geil,  Fred  A.  Rhodes, 
Daniel  H.  Good,  Christ  Shank,  Martin  Brunk,  Peter  Blosser,  Jacob  Landis, 
Samuel  Weaver,  Simeon  Heatwole. — 11. 

Total  numl)er  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  34. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  OCTOBER  1889 

Conference  met  at  Hildebrands  Church  (L-pper  District),  October  4th  and 
5th,  1889.    Opening  service  at  9  o'clock  in  the    morning. 

Moderator,  Samuel   Shank.     Secretary,   Emanuel  Suter. 

Admonitions  by  Bishops   Hildebrand,  Coffman  and  Driver. 

Ministers  and  deacons  responded  in  turn  to  the  call  of  Deacon  Jacob  Lan- 
dis. 

Friday  Afternoon 

Careless  and  Indifferent  Members. — Subject,  after  being  discussed  at  some 
lej>gth,  it  was  decided  that  bishops,  ministers  and  deacons  show  special  care 
for  all  such  and  to  visit  them  in  brotherly  kindness. 

Members  under  Censure. — What  shall  be  done  with  members  who  are  un- 
willing to  make  acknowledgment  when  the  church  by  her  action  requires  it? 
For  answer,  to  this  question,  the  resolution  of  the  conference  of  April  1874  is 
referred  to,  which  is  as  follows:  "Decided  that  in  cases  when  the  church  re- 
quires an  acknowledgment  of  erring  members,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  dea- 
cons to  specify  a  time  in  which  such  acknowledgment  shall  be  made." 

This  conference  then  adopted  as  a  finishing  clause  to  the  above  resolution, 
the  following:  And  if  they  then  fail  to  do  so  they  shall  be  expelled  from  the 
church. 

Conference  closed  with  prayer  and  singing  oi  hymn  329. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops. — Jacob   Hildebrand.   Samuel    Coffman,  Jos.   N.   Driver. — 3. 

Ministers. — Christian  Brunk.  Christian  Good,  Abram  B.  Burkholder,  Abram 
B.  Wenger,  Samuel  Shank,  John  Geil,  Daniel  S  .Heatwole,  Jacob  R.  Hildebrand 
Daniel  H.  Mellinger,  Solomon  Beery,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole. — 11. 

Deacons. — Daniel   H.  Good,   Michael  Shank,  Jacob  Landis. — 3. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  17. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  49 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  MAY  1890 

Conference  assembled  at  Weavers  Church  (Middle  District),  May  9th  and 
10th,  1890.     Opening  exercises  Friday  morning  at  9  o'clock. 

Moderator,  Samuel  Shank.     Secretary,  Emanuel  Suter. 

Admonitions  from  Bishops  Coffman,  Shank,  Hildebrand,  Driver  and  Shank, 
of  Pennsylvania. 

Ministers  and  deacons  responded  in  earnest  addresses  as  they  were  called 
"upon  in  turn  by  Deacon  Michael  Shank. 

Friday  Afternoon 

Call  for  Deacon.— Bishop  Coffman  asked  the  privilege  to  ordain  a  deacon 
in  the  Winchester  district.     Granted. 

Written  Sermons.— Is  it  in  harmony  with  the  rules  of  the  Mennonite 
Church  for  a  minister  to  write  off  his  sermons  to  preach  or  read  to  the  congre- 
gation?    Decided  in  the   negative. 

Banning  or  Separating  from  the  Excommunicated.— Is  banning  or  separat- 
ing from  the  excommunicated  member  a  command  of  the  New  Testament?  If 
not  why  did  the  Mennonites  of  the  16th  and  17th  century  so  strenuously  uphold 
it,  and  why  is  it  admitted  as  an  article  in  the  Mennonite  Confession  of  Faith? 
Laid   over   for   next   conference. 

Applicants  Expelled  From  Other  Churches.— When  receiving  a  person  into 
our  church  who  has  been  expelled  from  another  church,  is  it  consistent  to  re- 
ceive such  without  baptism?    Decided  in  the  negative. 

Election  for  Moderator  for  next  two  years  resulted  in  a  tie  vote  between 
Michael  Shank  and  Christian  Good.  On  motion  both  were  ordered  to  serve. 
Emanuel  Suter  was  elected  Secretary  and  the  arranging  committee  selected 
were  Samuel  Shank,  Daniel  S.  Heatwole  and  Jacob  R.  Hildebrand. 

Rising  for  the  Benediction. — It  was  decided  that  the  attitude  of  our  congre- 
gations shall  be  that  of  standing  while  the  benediction  is  pronounced  at  the 
close  of  public  worship. 

Conference   closed   with   prayer  and   the   use   of   the   S5th   hymn. 
Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Jacob  Hildebrand,  Samuel  Coffman,  Abram  Shank,  Jos.  N. 
Driver,  Daniel  Shank,  of  Pennsylvania. — 5. 

Ministers: — Christian  Brunk,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  Daniel  S.  Heatwole, 
Daniel  M'ellinger,  Lewis  J.  Heatwole,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  Jacob  R.  Hildebrand, 
John  Geil,  Joseph  Hashbarger,  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Anthony  P.  Heatwole,  Samuel 
Shank,  Abram  B.  Wenger,  George  Brunk,  Christian  Good,  Abram  B.  Burk- 
holder,  Lewis  Shank,  Peter  S.  Heatwole,  Adam  Bear,  of  Maryland.— 19. 

Deacons: — Fred.    A.    Rhodes,    Simeon    Heatwole,    Martin    Brunk,    Samuel 
Weaver,  Jacob   Geil,   Daniel   H.   Good,   Christian  Shank,   Michael   Shank.— 8. 
Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  32. 

MINUTES  OF  CONFERENCE  OF  OCTOBER  1890 

Conference  met  at  the  Kernstown  Church  (Winchester  District),  October 
3rd  and  4th,  1890.     Opening  exercises  Friday  morning  at  9  o'clock. 

Moderators,  Michael  Shank  and  Christian  Good.    Secretary,  Emanuel  Suter. 

Admonitions  from  Bishops  Shank,  Coffman  and  Hildebrand.  Touching 
and  appropriate  remarks  were  made  in  memory  of  the  lately  departed  Bishop 


so  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

Joseph    N.    Driver   whorn   death    claimed  just    two    months    previous    to    the 
assembling  of  this  conference. 

Ministers  and  deacons  responded  at  the  call  of  Deacon  Fred  A.  Rhodes. 

Friday  Afternoon 

Call  for  Ministers. — Bishop  Hildebrand  requested  permission  to  ordain  two 

ministers  in  the  Upper  district.     Granted. 

Call  for  Bishop. — Bishop  Hildebrand  proposed  to  conference  that  a  bishop 
he  ordained  in  Middle  district  to  assist  the  bishops  in  both  the  Upper  and 
Middle  districts.  After  much  serious  discussion,  the  matter  was  submitted  to 
a  vote  and  carried  in  favor  of  the  aflfirmative. 

Call  for  Ministers. — Bishop  Coffman  asked  permission  of  conference  to  or- 
dain  two   ministers   in   Middle   district.      Granted. 

Members  who  Fail  to  Attend  Counsel-meetings. — On  motion  it  was  de- 
cided to  renew  the  action  of  the  conference  of  October  1882  that  provides  that 
bishops  shall  visit  or  have  visited  all  members  in  their  districts,  with  the  addi- 
tional clause:    Those  who  do  not  attend  their  counsel  meetings. 

Time  for  Holding  Harvest  Meeting. — On  motion  the  time  for  holding  the 
annual  harvest  meetings  in  the  several  districts  is  hereby  changed  from  the 
third  to  the  first  Thursday  in  August. 

Conference  closed  with  prayer  and  the  use  of  the  394th  hymn. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Jacob  Hildebrand,  Samuel  Coffman,  Abram  Shank. — 3. 

Ministers: — Samuel  Shank,  Daniel  S.  Heatwole,  Garbriel  D.  Heatwole, 
Daniel  Mellinger,  Abram  B.  Wenger,  Anthony  P.  Heatwole,  Christian  Good, 
Isaac  Grove,  Christian  Brunk,  George  Brunk,  John  Geil,  Abram  B.  Burkholder, 
Joseph  Hashbarger,  Lewis  Shank,  Solomon  Beery,  Henry  Wenger,  Jos.  F. 
Heatwole, — 17. 

Deacons: — Michael  Shank,  Jacob  Showalter,  Jacob  Landis,  David  E. 
Rhodes,  Martin  Brunk,  Daniel  H.  Good,  Christian  Shank,  Jacob  Geil,  Fred  A. 
Rhodes,    Isaac   Eby,   of   Maryland,    Michael    Hege,   of   Pennsylvania. — 11. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  31. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  MAY  1891 

Conference  met  at  Springdale  Church  (Upper  District),  May  8th  and  9th, 
1891.     Opening  exercises  Friday  morning  at  9  o'clock. 

Moderators,  Michael  Shank  and  Christian  Good.    Secretary,  Emanuel  Suter. 
Bishops,  Hildebrand,  Cofifman  and  Shank  made  their  usual  admonitions. 
Ministers  and  deacons  addressed  the  conference  in  turn  as  they  were  called. 

Friday  Afternoon 

Call  for  Deacons. — Bishop  Coffman  asked  the  privilege  of  ordaining  two 
deacons  in  Middle  District.     Granted. 

Call  for  Minister. — The  propriety  of  ordaining  a  minister  in  Winchester 
district  was  also  seriously  considered  and  on  being  submitted  to  vote;  the 
privilege  was  granted. 

Combing  and  Cutting  the  Hair. — Should  members  of  this  conference  be 
allowed  to  cut  and  comb  their  hair  after  the  fashion  of  the  world?  Referred 
to  first  and  second  resolutions  of  conference  of  September  1877. 

Deputy  Assessor  and  Tax  Collector. — According  to  present  rulings  of  the 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  51 

church  can  a  member  take  the  position  of  deputy  assessor  or  tax-collector?  He 
cannot  according  to  conference  of  April  1871. 

Petition  to  Conference. — Asking  that  the  present  plan  for  nominating  candi- 
dates for  minister  or  deacon  be  so  modified  that  the  church  might  make  its 
selections  more  in  line  with  the  scriptural  qualifications  required  in  a  minister 
or  deacon.  After  some  consideration  the  matter  was  dismissed,  until  the  next 
conference. 

Marriage  Gifts. — The  subject  was  discussed  from  different  bearings  without 
definite  action  being  taken. 

Call  for  Bishop. — Bishop  Hildebrand  made  application  for  the  ordination 
of  a  bishop  in  Upper  District.    Granted. 

Conference  closed  with  silent  prayer  and  the  use  of  hymn  2  in  supplement. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Jacob  Hildebrand,  Samuel  Coflfman,  Abram  Shank. — 3, 

Ministers: — Jacob  R.  Hildebrand,  Christian  Good,  Christian  Brunk,  Daniel 
S.  Heatwole,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  Abram  B.  Burkholder,  Erasmus  Shank, 
Anthony  P.  Heatwole,  Simeon  Heatwole,  Isaac  Grove,  Samuel  Shank,  Jos.  F. 
Heatwole,  John  Geil,  Joseph  Hashbarger,  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Solomon  Beery, 
Daniel  Mellinger,  George  Brunk,  Henry  Wenger,  Lewis  Shank,  Jacob  Martin, 
Samuel  Hess,  of  Pennsylvania. — 22. 

Deacons: — Michael  Shank,  Samuel  Weaver,  Martin  Brunk,  David  E. 
Rhodes,  Daniel  H.  Good,  Fred  A.  Rhodes,  Jacob  Showalter. — 7. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  32. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  OCTOBER  1891 

Conference  convened  at  the  Bank  Church  (Middle  District),  October  2nd 
and  3rd,  1891.    Opening  exercises  Friday  morning  at  nine  o'clock. 

Moderators,  Michael  Shank  and  Christian  Good.  Secretary,  Emanuel 
Suter. 

Addresses  by  Bishops,  CofTman,  Shank,  Hildebrand  and  Heatwole. 
Ministers  and  deacons  responded  in  turn  to  the  call  of  Deacon  Fred  A. 
Rhodes. 

Friday  Afternoon 

The  Petition  to  Conference. — Numerously  signed  by  members  of  the 
church  asking  that  the  plan  for  choosing  candidates  for  official  positions  in  the 
church  be  brought  more  in  line  with  the  Confession  of  Faith  and  scrif)tural 
qualifications,  was  read  and  commented  on  during  entire  afternoon  session, 
and  on  being  renewed  the  following  morning  was,  finally  dismissed. 

For  the  Extension  of  the  Gospel. — Through  Bishop  Cofifman  the  Confer- 
ence was  asked  to  formulate  a  plan  for  extending  the  gospel  and  the  non- 
resistent  faith  beyond  our  present  bounds.  Decided  that  each  bishop  present 
the  proposition  to  his  district  congregations  with  the  view  of  arriving  at  a  plan 
for  carrying  the  gospel  to  other  fields  within  reach  of  our  ministers. 

Conference  closed  with  prayer  and  singing  the  57th  hymn. 

Members  present  at  this  conference. 

Bishops: — Jacob  Hildebrand,  Samuel  Cofifman,  Abraham  Shank,  Anthony 
P.  Heatwole. — 4. 

Ministers: — Christian  Good,  Christian  Brunk,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  Daniel 
S.  Heatwole,  John  Geil,  Emanuel  Heatwole,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  George  Brunk, 


52  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

J 
Jacob  R.  Hildebrand,  Isaac  Grove,  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Simeon  Heatwole,  Henry 

Wenger,  Abram  B.  Wenger,  Abram  B.  Burkholder,  Jacob  Martin,  Erasmus 
Shank,  Peter  S.  Heatwole,  Joseph  Hashbarger. — 19. 

Deacons: — Michael  Shank,  Daniel  H.  Good,  Jacob  Landis,  Martin  Brunk, 
Samuel  Weaver,  Elias  Brunk,  Reuben  Rhodes,  Fred  A.  Rhodes,  Jacob  Geil, 
Abram  Simmers,  of  Dunkard  church. — 10. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  33. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  MAY  1892 

Conference  assembled  at  Brannemans  Church  (Lower  District),  May  13th 
and  14th,  1892.     Opened  Friday  morning  at  9  o'clock. 

Michael  Shank  and  Christian  Good,  Moderator.     Emanuel  Suter,  Secretary. 

Admonitions  by  Bishops  Cofifman,  Shank  and  Heatwole. 

Ministers  and  deacons  responded  at  the  call  of  Deacon  Fred  A.  Rhodes, 
all   of  whom   made  favorable   reports   of  their   work. 

Friday  Afternoon 

No  special  query  in  moderator's  hands  and  bishops  having  no  matter  of 
their  own  to  present,  this  conference  at  the  beginning  had  to  all  appearance, 
nothing  to  do. 

Visiting  Scattered  Numbers. — On  motion  of  moderator  this  subject  was 
discussed,  and  decided  that  greater  vigilance  be  used  by  bishops,  ministers  and 
deacons  along  this  line  of  church  work. 

Head-Covering  in  Time  of  Prayer. — Decided  that  it  is  unbecoming  and  out 
of  gospel  order  for  sisters  tO'  appear  in  public  worship,  or  during  any  season 
of  prayer  without  the  head-covering  mentioned  by  Paul  in  I   Cor.  11:3 — 16. 

Election  of  Officers. — Moderator  for  two  years.  Christian  Good.  Secretary 
for  two  years,  Emanuel  Suter.  Arranging  committee  for  two  years,  Jacob  R. 
Hildebrand,  Daniel  S.  Heatwole,  Samuel  Shank. 

Conference  closed  with  prayer  and  hymn  No.  2  in  supplement. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Samuel   Cofifman,   Abram   Shank,   Anthony  P.   Heatwole. — 3. 

Ministers: — Christian  Brunk,  Christian  Good,  Henry  Wenger,  Abram  B. 
Burkholder,  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Daniel  S.  Heatwole,  Samuel  Shank,  Gabriel  D. 
Heatwole,  John  Geil,  Solomon  Beery,  Jacob  Martin,  Daniel  Mellinger,  Joseph 
Hashbarger,  Simeon  Heatwole,  Emanuel  Heatwole,  Peter  S.  Heatwole,  Lewis 
Shank.— 17. 

Deacons: — Peter  Blosser,  Samuel  Weaver,  Martin  Brunk,  Reuben 
Rhodes,  Jacob  Landis,  Jacob  Geil,  Christian  Shank,  Daniel  H.  Good,  Fred 
A.  Rhodes,  David  E.  Rhodes,  Elias  Brunk,  Isaac  Eby,  of  Maryland. — 12. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  32. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  OCTOBER  1892 

Conference  met  at  Springdale  Church  (Upper  District),  October  7th  and 
8th,   1892.     Opened  Friday  morning  at  9  o'clock. 

Christian  Good,  Moderator.  Emanuel  Suter,  Secretary. 
Admonitions  by  Bishops,  Cofifman,  Shank  and  Heatwole. 
Deacons  and  ministers  responded  to  the  call  of  Deacon  Michael  Shank. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  53 

Friday  Afternoon 

Ina(truction  of  Converts  Openly  Before  the  Church. — On  motion  it  was 
decided  that  such  instructions  should  be  held  before  members  of  the  church. 

*Evangelizing  Mission  Board. — Would  this  conference  recognize  the 
General  Mission  Board  of  the  church  in  America  by  confirming  its  appoint- 
ment of  a  brother  (Peter  S.  Hartman)  in  Virginia  to  represent  it?  After  some 
discussion  it  was  decided  not  to  co-operate  with  said  Board,  but  instead  to 
create  a  Home  Mission  Fund,  to  be  under  the  control  of  the  Virginia  Confer- 
ence. 

Conference  adjourned  with  prayer  and  the  use  of  hymn  No.  8  in  the  supple- 
ment. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Samuel  Coffman,  Abram  Shank,  Anthony  P.  Heatwole. — 3. 

Ministers: — Isaac  Grove,  Christian  Brunk,  Christian  Good,  Daniel  S.  Heat- 
wole, Jacob  R.  Hildebrand,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  Simeon  Heatwole,  Abram  B. 
Burkholder,  George  Brunk,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  John  Geil,  Jacob  Martin,  Lewis 
Shank,  Erasmus  Shank,  Henry  Wenger,  Emanuel  Heatwole,  Joseph  Hash- 
barger. — 17. 

Deacons: — Fred  A.  Rhodes,  Jacob  Landis,  Martin  Brunk,  Samuel  Weaver, 
Reuben   Rhodes,   Daniel   H.   Good,   Michael  Shank,   Christian  Shank. — 8. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  28. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  MAY   1893 

The  Virginia  Conference  met  at  Weavers  Church  (Middle  District),  Rock- 
ingham county,  Va.,  May  12,  1893.  Opened  promptly  at  9  o'clock  by  singing  the 
first  hymn  in  the  Supplement. 

Christian    Good,    Moderator.      Emanuel    Suter,    Secretary. 

Admonitions  by  Bishops  Abram  Shank,  Samuel  Coffman,  Anthony  P. 
'Heatwole  and  Lewis  J.   Heatwole. 

The  rules   of  Conference  were  read  by  the   Secretary. 

At  this  juncture  the  moderator  read  a  letter  written  by  bishop  Jacob  Hil- 
debrand to  this  body,  expressing  a  desire  to  be  present,  but  age  and  infirmity 
forbade.  His  prayer  was  that  God  would  bless  the  work  of  the  Conference, 
that  much    good  would  result  from  it,  in  building  up  the  church,  etc. 

All  the  ministers  and  deacons  present,  one  after  another  in  order,  in  short 
addresses,  expressed  their  experiences  since  the  last  Conference. 

Friday  Afternoon 

Question  I — Bishop  Coflfman  asked  the  Conference  whether  or  not  it  would 
recognize  Bro.  L.  J.  Heatwole  as  a  Bishop  in  the  Virginia  Conference  as  he 
was  ordained  as  such  in  the  Missouri  Conference,  and  expects  to  make  his 
home  with  us  in  Virginia.  It  was  duly  considered,  and  decided  by  vote  that 
this  matter  be  referred  to  the  church  council. 

Question  II — To  the  Virginia  Conference:  Will  this  Conference  take  up, 
carefully  read  and  consider  the  20th  article  of  our  Confession  of  Faith  and  see 
wfhat  is  in  it.  Considerable  time  was  spent  in  discussing  the  above  question,, 
and  finally  passed  the  following  resolution  by  vote. 


•This  action  however  was  not  meant  to  prohibit  or  restrict  members  from  contributing  of  theif 
means  to  support  the  fund  by  the  General   Board  for  mission  purposes. 


54  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

Resolved,  That  we  have  carefully  considered  the  above  question  and  do 
find  the  present  rule  in  the  church  in  harmony  with  said  article. 

*Question  III — This  question  was  laid  over  for  consideration  to-morrow. 

Conference  now  adjourned  until  tomorrow  morning  at  8:30  o'clock,  by 
prayer  and  singing  hymn  No.  56. 

Saturday  morning,  Conference  opened  promptly  at  the  time  appointed  by 
singing  hymn  No.  191.  Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  read  the  4th  chapter  of  Paul's 
letter  to  the  Ephesians  followed  with  a  few  words  of  comment  and  prayer. 

The   Moderator   said   Coniercnce   was   ready  for   business. 

Question  IV. — Presented  by  Bishop  Shank  was  considered.  All  queries 
sent  to  our  committee  for  consideration  in  conference  should  bear  the  name 
or  names  of  persons  sending  them,  and  if  desired  to  be  withheld  from  Confer- 
ence should  be  so  mentioned. 

The  above  question  was  decided  in  the  affirmative. 

Question  V — Took  place  of  question  three  from  yesterday.  This  question 
wias  satisfactorily  considered,  in  doing  so  it  was  found  that  in  a  former  Con- 
ference a  similar  act  had  been  passed.  By  reference  to  the  minutes  of  a  Con-, 
ference  that  met  at  Hildebrands  Church,  Upper  District,  Augusta  Co.,  September 
28th  and  29th,  1877,  resolutions  1,  2,  3  and  4  have  been  hereby  renewed  by  the 
majority  of  the  voice  of  this  Conference  as  a  substitute. 

Question  VI. — Moreover,  if  thy  Brother  shall  trespass  against  thee,  go  and 
tell  him  his  fault  between  thee  and  him  alone:  if  he  shall  hear  thee,  thou  hast 
gained   thy  brother. 

Are  all  trespassers  included  in  this  passage  of  Scripture. 

Decided,  they  are  not. 

Conference  now  adjourned  to  meet  in  the  lower  district  at  Zion  Church, 
Rockingham  county,  Virginia,  the  first  Friday  in  October,  189.'!.  It  closed 
with  devotional  exercises,  prayer  by  Bishop  Shank  and  singing  hymn  No.  2 
in  the  Supplement. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Samuel  Cofifman,  Abram  Shank,  Anthony  P.  Heatwole,  Lewis 
J.  Heatwole. — 4. 

Ministers: — Jacob  R.  Hildebrand,  Isaac  Grove,  George  Brunk,  Jacob  Mar- 
tin, Solomon  Beery,  Samuel  Shank,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole, 
Peter  S.  Heatwole,  Christian  Good,  Daniel  S.  Heatwole,  Abram  B.  Burkholder, 
John  Geil,  Simeon  Heatwole,  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Henry  Wenger,  Lewis  Shank, 
Joseph  Hashbarger,  David  Gzell,  of  Maryland,  Philip  H.  Parret,  of  Pennsyl- 
vania.— 20. 

Deacons: — Michael  Shank,  Daniel  H.  Good,  Jacob  Showalter,  Samuel 
Weaver,  Martin  Brunk,  Reuben  Rhodes,  Christian  Shank,  David  E.  Rhodes, 
Jacob  Geil,      Jacob  Landis,  Elias  Brunk,  Fred  A.  Rhodes. — 12. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  36. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  OCTOBER  1893 

The  Virginia  Conference  met  at  Zion  Church  in  the  Lower  District,  Rock- 
ingham county,  Virginia,  October  6th,  1893.  Conference  opened  promptly  at 
9  o'clock  a.  m.,  by  singing  hymn.   No.  332,   Bishop  Cofifman  read  part  of  the 


•On  non-conformity  to  the  world. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  _      55 

sixth  chapter  of  Ephesians  and  followed  with  a  few  remarks  from  the  same, 
then  all  joined  in  silent  prayer. 

Christian    Good,    Moderator.      Emanuel    Suter,    Secretary. 

Four  bishops  were  present,  namely:  Samuel  Coffman,  Abram  Shank, 
Anthony  P.  Heatwole  and  Lewis  J.  Heatwole.  The  rules  were  read  by  the 
Moderator,  followed  by  the  customary  addresses  by  the  bishops. 

All  the  ministers  and  deacons  present  followed  in  a  few  words  of  admoni- 
tion and  encouragment,  expressing  a  desire  for  more  earnest  labor  in  the 
church. 

Friday  Afternoon 

Question  I — Bishop  Coffman  presented  for  consideration  a  request  of  H.  L. 
Rhodes,  of  Fauquier  county,  Virginia,  asking  for  visits  from  the  ministering 
brethren  and  also  to  send  a  deacon  to  them. 

Resolved,  That  the  church  now  established  in  Fauquier  county,  Virginia, 
be  visited  monthly  by  ministers  and  deacons  as  the  Bishops  of  the  three  dis- 
tricts may  arrange. 

Question  II — Whereas,  our  observation  teaches  us  that  a  large  per  cent  of 
our  members  do  not  attend  our  regular  inquiry  meetings,  would  it  not  then 
be  expedient  to  substitute  in  their  stead  an  annual  or  semi-annual  visit  to 
each  member  that  all  might  be  heard  from? 

Resolved,  That  the  usual  inquiry  meetings  be  held  twice  a  year  at  the 
call  of  the  Bishop,  and  that  all  members  be  visited  by  the  deacons  once  a  year. 

Question  III — Is  it  right  for  any  of  our  members  to  haul  apples  to  the  still 
house.    Decided  that  it  is  not  right. 

Question  IV — Would  it  not  be  expedient  to  grant  more  privileges  to  our 
subordinate  ministers  in  administering  the  ordinances  of  the  church  such  aa 
baptizing  and  the  communion,  thereby  lessening  the     labors  of  the  Bishops? 

These  privileges  have  been  granted  in  conference  held  at  Mount  Pleasant 
church,  September,  1874. 

Afternoon  services  adjourned  at  4  o'clock  with  prayer  and  hymn  No.  129 
and  benediction  by  Bishop  Coffman. 

Services  Saturday  morning  opened  at  8:30  o'clock  with  hymn  No.  32, 
Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  read  the  12th  chapter  of  Romans,  and  followed  with 
prayer.    The  moderator  then  declared  conference  ready  for  business. 

Question  V — A  resolution  was  read  from  the  committee  appointed  in 
Middle  District  to  draft  resolutions  for  Home  Missions.  After  some  discus- 
sion it  was  sent  to  the  church  to  be  ratified. 

The  next  conference  was  decided  to  be  held  at  Springdale  church  in  Augus- 
ta county,  the   second  Friday  of   May,   1894. 

Conference  adjourned  at  12  o'clock  with  prayer  and  hymn  No.  56. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Samuel  Coffman,  Abram  Shank,  Anthony  P.  Heatwole,  Lewis 
J.  Heatwole. — 4. 

Ministers: — Jacob  R.  Hildebrand,  George  Brunk,  Solomon  Beery,  Samuel 
Shank,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  Jacob  Martin,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  Christian  Good, 
Abram  B.  Burkholder,  John  Geil,  Christian  Brunk,  Henry  Wenger,  Lewis 
Shank,  Joseph  Hashbarger,  Erasmus  Shank,  Jacob  Bowers,  Daniel  Mellinger, 
Daniel  S.  Heatwole. — 18. 

Deacons: — Daniel  H.  Good,  Jacob  Showalter,  Samuel  Weaver,  Martin 
Brunk,  Reuben  Rhodes,  Christian  Shank,  David   E.  Rhodes,  Fred  A.  Rhodes, 


56  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

Jacob  Geil,  Jacob  Landis,  Elias  Brunk,  Peter  Blosser. — 12. 
Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  34. 

MINUTES  OF  SPECIAL  CONFERENCE— FEBRUARY  1894 

On  the  2Sth  day  of  February,  1894,  a  special  conference  of  Ministers  and 
Deacons  met  at  Weavers  Church  (Middle  District),  to  examine  into  the 
■workings  of  the  Sunday  schools. 

Lewis  J.  Heatwole  was  chosen  Moderator.  Samuel  M.  Burkholder,  Secre- 
tary. 

Resolutions  of  conference  of  September  1869  read  and  commented  on 
trought  out  the   following  queries  and  answers: 

Lesson  Helps. — Shall  we  continue  the  use  of  the  Lesson  Helps? 

Decided  that  those  desiring  to  use  them  shall  have  the  privilege  of  doing 
so.    Those  not  wishing  tO'  use  them  need  not. 

*Organizations  of  Sunday  Schools. — How  shall  otir  Sunday  Schools  be 
organized? 

Decided  that  two  or  more  ministers  shall  be  chosen  by  the  bishop  of 
the  district  for  each  church  where  Sunday  school  is  desired.  The  duty  of  the 
ministers  thus  named  shall  draw  a  committee  from  members  of  the  congrega- 
tion who  are  Sunday  school  workers  in  the  vicinity  where  the  Sunday  school 
is  to  be  organized.  Said  committee  in  co-operation  with  the  ministers  shall 
choose  Superintendents  and  Secretaries  and  Treasurers  respectively  for  the 
school  for  which  they  have  been  appointed  as  committee. 

Meeting  adjourned  with  song  and  the  benediction. 

Those  present: 

Bishops: — Lewis  J."  Heatwole. — 1. 

Ministers: — Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  Solomon  Beery,  Abram  B.  Burkholder, 
Peter  S.  Heatwole,  Simeon  Heatwole,  Emanuel  Heatwole,  Sem  S.  Weaver. — 7. 

Deacons: — Reuben  S.  Rhodes,  David  E.  Rhodes,  Elias  Brunk,  Jacob  Sho- 
walter. — 4. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  12. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  MAY  1894 

The  Virginia  Conference  met  at  Springdale  Church  (Upper  District),  Au- 
gusta county,  Va.,  May  11,  1894,  opening  promptly  at  9  o'clock  a.  m.  by 
singing  hymn  number  180,  and  prayer. 

Christian    Good,    Moderator.      Emanuel    Suter,    Secretary. 

Three  bishops  were  present,  viz.:  Abram  Shank,  Anthony  P.  Heatwole 
and  Lewis  J.  Heatwole.     They  addressed  conference  as  usual. 

Daniel  S.  Heatwole,  a  member  of  this  body,  having  died,  on  account  of  which 
some  members  are  not  present,  and  some  here  want  to  attend  his  funeral  to- 
morrow. It  is  desired  that  the  business  of  this  conference  be  transacted  to- 
day. To  save  time  some  of  the  customary  preliminaries  were  omitted  and 
the  moderator  at  once  declared  conference  ready  for  business.  It  was  now  in 
order  for  the  Bishops  to  present  such  matter  as  they  may  have  for  considera- 
tion. 

Question  I — Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  presented  the  question  of  paying  doc- 


•This   system   for   organizing   Sunday   schools   has   been   continued   from   year   to   year   in   Middle 
district  till  the  present  time,   (1910). 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  57 

tor  bills  in  chronic  cases,  this  question  was  duly  considered. 

Bishop  Shank  said  in  his  district  doctor  bills  never  were  paid,  and  ever 
since  he  has  been  a  member  of  conference  he  never  knew  such  was  the  rule 
The  following  resolution  was  passed. 

Resolved,  That  the  conference  never  authorized  the  payment  of  doctor's 
bills  for  poor  members. 

Question  III — What  scriptures  have  we  to  prohibit  brethren  wearing  a 
moustache. 

The  following  passages  will  answer  the  above  question:  James  1:22; 
Leviticus  13:45;  I  Peter  1:14;  James  4:4;  I  John  2:15-16;  Luke  16:15;  Rom. 
12:16;  II  Thes.  2:15;  Ezek.  24:17;  II  Thes.  3:6-14;  I  Peter  5:5. 

Conference  now  adjourned  for  dinner  by  use  of  hymn  number  389. 

Afternoon  service  opened  by  singing  hymn  number  2  in  supplement. 

Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  read  from  I  Peter  3;  then  engaged  in  silent  prayer. 
Conference  now  declared  open  for  business. 

Bishop  Shank  asked  the  conference  for  the  privilege  of  ordaining  a  minis- 
ter in  his  district.  The  matter  was  considered,  the  vote  taken  and  decision 
rendered  in   the   affirmative. 

Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  asked  for  an  amendment  to  a  resolution  offered 
in  the  last  conference  by  Bishop  Coffman,  to  read  to  visit  the  church  in  Fau- 
quier county,  Va.,  once  every  eight  weeks  instead  of  every  four  weeks.  The 
amendment  was  sustained. 

Question  IV — Could  not  the  officers  of  the  church  and  especially  the  dea- 
cons and  deaconesses  take  more  active  steps  toward  suppressing  all  unnec- 
cessary  noise  and  confusion  in  the  inside  as  well  as  in  the  crowds  outside  of 
our  churches  at  the  time  of  our  communion  services?  The  following  resolution 
was  offered  and  passed. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  the  duty  of  our  deacons  and  deaconesses  to  sup- 
press all  disorder  at  our  communion  services  and  public  worship. 

Question  V — Was  answered  by  reference  to  a  resolution  passed  in  confer- 
ence in  September,  1877,  4th  resolution. 

Question  VII — Resolved,  That  the  custom  of  wearing  badges,  crepe, 
gloves,  and  wearing  hats  at  times  of  funerals  on  the  part  of  our  brethren  whern 
acting  as  pall-bearers  is  not  consistent  with  our  faith. 

This  Conference  now  elected  a  moderator,  arranging  committee  and  secretary. 
The  following  brethren  were  chosen:  Christian  Good,  Moderator,  Samuel 
Shank,  Joseph  F.  Heatwole,  Erasmus  Shank,  Committee;  Lewis  Shank,  Secre- 
tary.* 

Resolved,  That  next  conference  meet  at  the  Bank  Church,  Middle  Dis- 
trict, Rockingham  Co.,  Va.,  the  first  Friday  in  October,  1894.  Conference 
now  adjourned  with  prayer,  singing  hymn  number  348. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishop: — Abram  Shank,  Anthony  P.  Heatwole,  Lewis  J.  Heatwole. — 3. 

Ministers: — Samuel  Shank,  Joseph  Hashbarger,  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Jos.  F. 
Heatwole,  Isaac  Grove,  Jacob  Martin,  George  Brunk,  Emanuel  Heatwole, 
Erasmus  Shank,  Abram  B.  Burkholder,  Solomon  Beery,  Christian  Good,  Peter 
S.  Heatwole,   Lewis   Shank,  John   Geil. — 15. 

•Being  a  member  of  the  conference  body,  Lewis  Shank  was  not  elligible.  It  was  afterwards 
learned  that  it  had  previously  been  decided  that  one  outside  the  body  should  serve  as 
secretary.      Hence,    Emanuel   Suter  continued  for   another   conference. 


5a  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

Deacons: — Fred  A.  Rhodes,  David  E.  Rhodes,  Martin  Brunk,  Elias  Brunk,, 
Reuben  Rhodes,  Jacob  Landis,  Daniel  H.  Good,  Samuel  Weaver. — 8 
Total  number  of     Bishops,  Ministers  and   Deacons  26. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  OCTOBER,  1804 

The  Virginia  Conference  met  at  the  Bank  Church  (Middle  Districti),,.  Rock- 
ingham Co.,  Va.,  October  5th,  1894.    Opened  promptly  at  nine  o'clock. 

Christian    Good,    Moderator.      Emanuel    Suter,    Secretary. 

*Four  bishops  were  present,  viz:  Joseph  Bixler,  of  Mahoning  county,  O.,. 
Abraham  Shank,  Anthony  P.  Heatwole  and  L.  J.  Heatwole.  As  is  customary  in 
this  conference  the  Bishops  delivered  their  addresses. 

]\finisters  and  deacons  reported  favorably  of  their  work,  and  a  willing- 
ness still  to  perform  the  work  assigned  them  faithfully,  as  God  would  give  themi 
grace. 

Conference  now  adjourned  for  dinner,  with  prayer  and  singing  hymn  No.. 
41  in  Supplement. 

Afternoon  services  opened  by  singing  hymn  No.  51  and  reading  3rd  chapter 
of  Colossians.  The  moderator  said  conference  was  ready  for  business. 

Question  I — Is  it  right  ox  in  harmony  with  the  teachings  of  God's  word; 
for  members  to  take  part  or  go  to  picnics,  church  festivals,  lawn  parties  and 
all  such  world  like  amusements?  Decided  it  is  not  right.  Therefore  reference 
is  made  to  an  act  passed  in  conference  September  the  25th,  1874. 

Question  II — When  votes  are  cast  for  ministers  or  deacons,  have  the 
heads  of  the  church  a  right  fo  reject  votes  when  in  their  judgment  they  have 
been  improperly  cast?     Decided  in  the  affirmative. 

Question  III — When  members  offend  and  the  church  asks  an  acknowledg- 
ment of  them,  has  the  minister  the  right  to  allow  them  to  commune  as  long 
as  they  have  not  complied  with  the  requirements  of  the  church?  Decided  in 
the  negative. 

Question  IV — Whereas,  there  is  so  much  chewing  tobacco  and  spitting 
on  the  floor  in  the  house  of  God  in  time  of  service,  is  it  not  a  duty  for  our 
members  as  well  as  the  ministers,  to  speak  and  protest  against  such  a  filthy 
habit  as  well  as  all  other  bad  habits?  Decided  in  the  affirnxative. 

Question  V — Is  it  necessary  to  hold  examining  meetings  after  the  members 
have  been  visited  by  the  deacons?  Decided  that  our  council  meetings  be  conr 
tinned  as  before. 

Saturday  morning  conference  opened  promptly  at  the  time  appointed,, 
singing  hymn  No.  8.  Bishop  Shank  read  the  12th  chapter  of  Romans,  followed 
with  a  few  remarks  and  prayer.  The  moderator  said  conference  was  ready  for 
business. 

Question  VI — The  following  question  was  presented  by  Bishop  A.  P. 
Heatwole  in  reference  to  ordaining  a  minister  or  deacon  in  a  particular  church, 
and  considered.  As  there  are  three  or  four  different  congregations  in  eacli 
of  our  districts,  should  not  the  heads  of  the  church  have  the  right  to  name  the 
locality  or  congregation  where  a  minister  or  deacon  is  most  needed?  It  was 
decided  in  the  affirmative. 

Question  VII — Whereas,  our  congregations  have  become  very  large  would 
it  not  be  proper  for  our  deacons  to  maintain  a  better  system:  in  the  churchi 
houses  at  the  time  of  funerals  both  in  seating  the  people  as  they  come  in  and 
keep  the  aisles  clear,  while  the  corpse  is  being  exposed?  The  vote  was  taJcen  and 
passed. 


•Bifih.  Samuel  Coffman  died  August  26th,  before  this  conference. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  59 

Conference  now  proceeded  to  elect  a  secretary.  The  vote  was  taken  and 
resulted  in  the  choice  of  Samuel  ML  Burkholder. 

Next  Conference  to  meet  at  Brannemans  Church,  in  the  Lower  District. 
Rockingham  county,  Va.,  on  the  second  Friday  in  May,  1895.  Conference 
adjourned  with  singing  hymn  No.  60  and  prayer. 

Members  present: 

Bishops: — Abram  Shank,  Anthony  P.  Heatwole,  Lewis  J.  Heatwole,  Josepli 
Bixler,  of  Ohio. — 4. 

Ministers:— Christian  Good,  Christian  Brunk,  George  Brunk,  Samuel 
Shank,  Daniel  Mellinger,  Simeon  Heatwole,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  Jacob  Mar- 
tin, Joseph  Hashbarger,  Abram  B.  Burkholder,  Solomon  Beery,  Jos.  F.  Heat- 
wole, John  Geil,  Emanuel  Heatwole,  Jacob  R.  Hildebrand,  Lewis  Shank,  Sem 
S.  Weaver,  Peter  S.  Heatwole. — 18. 

Deacons: — Fred  A.  Rhodes,  Daniel  H.  Good,  Reuben  Rhodes,  Elias  Brunk, 
Jacob  Landes,  Martin  Brunk,  Samuel  Weaver,  Jacob  Geil,  David  E.  Rhodes, 
Jacob  Showalter,  Michael  Shank. — 11. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  33. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  MAY  1895 

The  Virginia  Conference  met  at  the  Branneman  Church,  Lower  District, 
Rockingham  county,  Va.,  on  Friday,  May  10,  1895. 

Opened  promptly  at  nine  o'clock  by  singing  hymn  No.  1  in  supplement, 
followed  by  the  reading  of  the  fifth  chapter  of  Thessalonians  and  prayer.  The 
rules  of  Conference  were  then  read  by  the  Moderator. 

Christian  Good,  Moderator.     Samuel  M.  Burkholder,  Secretary. 

*0n  account  of  a  funeral  service  only  one  bishop,  A.  P.  Heatwole,  was 
present,  and  only  a  small  attendance  of  ministers  and  deacons  at  the  opening- 
of  Conference. 

Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  in  the  opening  address  spoke  of  the  objects  of  thje 
conference,  and  on  the  duties  of  its  members,  showing  them  that  they  were 
all  of  such  that  were  set  apart  to  feed  the  flock  of  God;  which  they  should  do 
not  for  filthy  lucre's  sake,  but  willingly,  not  as  lords  over  God's  heritage  (the 
Church)  but  that  they  should  be  ensamples  to  the  flock,  humbling  themselves 
under  the  mighty  hand  of  God.  Keeping  on  the  highway  of  holiness;  watching 
and  pra3ang  that  they  enter  not  into  temptation,  and  flying  to  the  City  of 
Refuge  when  assailed. 

The  ministers  and  deacons  then  spoke  in  turn,  giving  many  rich  and  whole- 
some admonitions,  expressing  a  desire  to  labor  more  faithfully  in  the  Master's 
cause;  after  which  conference  adjourned  for  dinner  with  prayer  and  singing 
hymn  No.  39  in  Supplement. 

Afternoon  services  opened  at  1:30  p.  m.  by  singing  hymn  No.  278. 

Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  read  Ephesians  4  which  was  followed  by  prayer. 
Three  bishops  were  now  present  with  a  good  attendance  of  ministers  and  dea- 
cons. 

Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  then  reported  the  condition  of  the  church  in  his  dis- 
trict, stating  that  the  general  outlook  was  hopeful. 

Bishop  Shank  did  not  think  it  proper  for  him  to  take  up  any  time  in  speak- 
ing. 

The  moderator  then  declared  conference  ready  for  business. 


•Elizabeth    Showalter.    wife    of    Bro.    John    D.    Showalter.      Funeral    at    Weavers    church    at    10 
a.  m.  same  day  that  conference  opened. 


e(f  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

Question  I — Would  it  not  be  better  to  form  an  organization  in  the  church 
to  assist  each  other  in  case  of  loss  by  fire  than  insure  in  other  companies?  De- 
cided in  the  negative. 

Question  II — Is  it  in  accordance  with  the  teaching  of  Christ  for  members 
to  engage  in  medal  contests?     Decided,  it  is  not. 

Question  III — Does  not  this  conference  advise  when  questions  are  sent 
in  for  consideration  to  support  said  question  by  a  passage  of  scripture.  For 
example:  "Be  ready  always  to  give  an  answer  to  every  man  that  asketh  you  a 
reason  of  the  hope  that  is  in  you,  with  meekness  and  fear."  Answer.  It  does 
advise. 

Question  IV — Is  it  right  for  a  minister  to  invite  his  neighbors  and  friends 
to  his  or  his  neighbor's  house  to  read  and  teach  the  word  of  God  accord- 
ing to  the  truth?     Decided  it  is  right. 

Question  V — If  the  above  is  right  for  a  minister  is  it  also  right  for  a  lay 
brother  if  he  is  the  head  of  a  family?  Decided  it  is  not  right  in  the  light  of 
consistency. 

Conference  now  adjourned  to  meet  tomorrow  morning  with  prayer  and 
singing  hymn  No.  58. 

Saturday  morning  Conference  opened  at  8:30  o'clock  by  singing  hymn  No. 
187. 

Bishop  Shank  read  the  twelfth  chapter  of  Romans,  followed  by  prayer. 

The  Moderator  then  declared  conference  ready  for  business. 

Question  VI — How  shall  a  member  be  dealt  with  who  has  transgressed  in 
one  district  and  moved  to  another  before  his  case  is  disposed  of?  Decided 
they  shall  be  required  to  give  satisfaction  in  the  district  they  came  from. 

Question  VII — As  it  is  apparent  to  all  that  there  is  a  great  need  of  a  great- 
er effort  to  win  souls  for  Christ  would  not  this  Conference  deem  it  necessary 
to  hold  a  series  of  meetings  occasionally  where  there  are  no  resident  ministers 
or  where  the  church  is  weak  or  on  the  decline?     Decided  in  the  affirmative. 

Next  Conference  will  meet  on  the  first  Friday  of  October,  1895,  in  Augusta 
Co.,  Va.,  place  of  meeting  to  be  decided  hereafter.  Conference  then  adjourned 
with  prayer  and  singing  hymn  No.  2  in  supplement. 

Members  present  at  this  conference. 

Bishops:— Abram  Shank,  Anthony  P.  Heatwole,  Lewis  J.  Heatwole.— 3. 

Ministers:— Christian  Brunk,  Abram  B.  Burkholder,  Jacob  M:artin,  Joseph 
Hashbarger,  Jacob  R.  Hildebrand,  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Samuel  Shank,  Peter  S. 
Heatwole,  Simeon  Heatwole,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  Lewis  Shank,  George- 
Brunk,  Etasmus  Shank,  Isaac  Grove,  Christian  Good,  John  Geil,  Henry  Wen- 
ger,  John  K.  Brubaker  and  Abram  Witmer,  of  Pennsylvania.— 19. 

Deacons:— Fred  A.  Rhodes,  Michael  Shank,  Elias  Brunk,  David  E.  Rhodes,. 
Jacob  Geil,  Daniel  H.  Good,  Reuben  Rhodes,  Christian  Shank,  Jacob  Showalter.. 
—9. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  31. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  OCTOBER  1895 

The  Virginia  Conference  met  at  Springdale  Church,  Augusta  Co.,  Va.,. 
on  Friday,  October  4th,  1895.  Opened  promptly  at  nine  o'clock  a.  m.,  by  sing- 
ing hymn  No.  197,  Hymns  &  Tunes.  Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  then  read  the  12th 
chapter  of  1st  Corinthians  which  was  followed  by  prayer.  In  the  absence  of  the; 
moderator,  Michael  Shank  was  elected  moderator  pro  tem. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  61 

Michael  Shank,  Moderator.     Samuel  M.  Burkholder,  Secretary. 

Afternoon  session  opened  at  1  o'clock  p.  m.  by  singing  hymn  No  12.  Bishop 
A.  P.  Heatwole  read  the  1st  chapter  of  Phillipians,  which  was  followed  by 
prayer. 

The  moderator  now  declared  conference  ready  for  business. 

Question  I-Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  asked  the  privilege  of  ordaining  one  or 
two  ministers  in  the  Middle  District.     The  privilege  was  granted. 

Question  II— Deacon  F.  A.  Rhodes  asked  the  privilege  of  ordaining  two 
deacons  in  the  Middle  District.     The  privilege  was  granted. 

Question  III— What  is  the  feeling  of  this  conference  with  regard  to  hold^ 
ing  service  at  the  house  of  mourning  before  going  to  church  or  burymg  ground  • 
It  has  been  customary  and  should  be  done  when  requested. 

Question  IV— Would  it  not  be  proper  for  the  treasurer  of  the  church  to 
make  an  itemized  statement  of  the  financial  condition  of  the  church  at  the  tune 
of  the  inquiry  meeting?     Decided  in  the  affirmative. 

Question  V — Would  it  not  be  advisable  for  the  bishops  to  be  present  witfc 
the  committee  when  arranging  business  for  conference?     Decided  advisable. 

Question  VI — An  amendment  to  the  answer  of  question  No.  5  of  the  last- 
conference,   was  then   considered,  and  was   decided  to   substitute   the  answer: 
It  is  not  advisable  for  a  lay  member  to  call  a  meeting.     Conference  now  ad- 
journed with  prayer  and  singing  hymn  No.  255. 

Saturday  morning  conference  opened  at  8:30  o'clock  with  singing  hymn  No.. 
217.  Bishop  L-  J.  Heatwole  then  read  the  second  chapter  of  Thessalonians^ 
w^hich  w^as  followed  with  prayer. 

The  moderator  then  declared  conference  ready  for  business. 

Question  VII — Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  asked  the  privilege  of  ordaining 
,a  deacon  in  the  Union  Chapel  and  Mt.  Pleasant  congregations.  The  privilege 
was  granted. 

Question  VIII — Shall  the  whole  Augusta  district  have  a  voice  in  the  selec- 
ition  of  .a  deacon  at  the  above  named  place?    Answered  in  the  affirmative. 

Question  IX — Does  this  conference  advise  that  conference  minutes  be 
printted  and  distributed  among  the  members  of  the  church?     Decided  advisable. 

Question  X — Is  it  consistent  for  a  brother  to  hold  the  office  of  overseer  of 
pcmr?     Decided  not  advisable. 

Next  conference  will  be  held  on  the  first  Friday  and  Saturday  of  May,  1896, 
at  rtlae  Weaver  Church,  Middle  District.  Conference  then  adjourned  with 
prayer  and  singing  hymn  No.  215. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Anthony  P.  Heatwole,  Lewis  J.  Heatwole. — 2. 

Ministers: — Simeon  Heatwole,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  Samuel  Shank, 
Solomon  Beery,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  Jacob  Martin,  Abram  B.  Burkholder,  Sem 
S.  Weaver,  Jacob  R.  Hildebrand,  Isaac  Grove,  Erasmus  Shank. — 11. 

♦Deacons: — Michael  Shank,  Fred  A.  Rhodes,  Samuel  Weaver,  Elias  Brunk, 
Martin  Brunk,  Jacob  Landis,  Reuben  Rhodes,  David  E.  Rhodes,  Perry  Brunk, 
of  Ohio.— 9. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons,  22. 

•Deacon  Daniel  H.  Good  died  July  16t4j  before  meeting  of  this  conference. 


62  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  ,.: 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  MAY  1896 

The  Virginia  Conference  met  at  the  Weaver  Church,  Rockingham  Co.,. 
Va.,    on  Friday,  May  8th,  1896,  opened  promptly  at  9  o'clock  a.  m. 

Christian    Good,    Moderator.      Samuel    Burkholder,    Secretary. 

Afternoon  session  opened  at  one  o'clock  by  singing  hymn  No.  279.  Bishopi> 
A.  P.  Heatwole  read  the  fourth  chapter  of  second  Corinthians,  which  was  fol- 
lowed with  prayer. 

Question  I — Should  not  all  the  members  of  conference  have  the  privilege 
of  presenting  their  own  questions  at  the  time  of  conference? 

The  privilege  was  granted. 

Question  II — Is  it  right  for  a  brother  or  sister  to  indorse  a  note  and  then 
refuse  to  pay  unless  it  is  first  taken  through  a  regular  course  of  law? 

Decided,  not  right. — Proverbs,  sixth  chapter,  verses  one  and  two  and 
11th  chapter  and  15th  verse. 

Question  III — Bishop  A.  Shank  asked  in  behalf  of  C.  Brunk,  the  privilege 
of  ordaining  a   minister  in  Winchester   District. 

The  privilege  was  graated. 

Question  IV — Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  asked  advise  of  conference  how  to 
deal  with  an  applicant  he  has  for  membership  who  has  been  expelled  from 
another  church,  and  declares  his  innocence  of  the  charge  against  him  but 
cannot  be  reconciled  to  the  church  of  which  he  was  a  member? 

Decided,  to  refer  this  matter  to  the  decision  of  the  Middle  District. 

Conference  then  adjourned  by  reading  II  Timothy,  followed  by  prayer 
and  singing  hymn   No.  33  in  supplement. 

Conference  opened  Saturday  morning  by  singing  hymn  No.  1  in  s-upple- 
ment. 

Question  V — Whereas  many  Railroad  Companies  have  granted  and  ofifer 
to  grant  permits  to  ministers  of  the  Gospel,  by  which  they  can  travel  over  their 
respective  roads  at  reduced  rates  when  on  ministerial  duties,  therefore  be  it 
resolved, 

First,  That  we.  as  a  body  of  ministers  and  deacons  in  Conference 
assembled  this  ninth  day  of  May,  1896,  hereby  express  our  hearty  appreciation 
of  the  kindness  and  good  will  of  said  Railroad  Companies  toward  us,  the 
church,  and  the  Master's  cause  wherein  we  labor. 

Second,  Should  any  Minister  of  this  body  travel  on  said  permits  for  pur- 
poses other  than  Ministerial,  he  shall  fall  under  censure  of  this  body  and  the 
church,   and  the   Master's   cause   wherein   we   labor. 

Third,  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  sent  to  each  Company  that  may 
be  applied  to  for  permits  by  ministers  of  this  Conference. 

Question  VI — Does  this  Conference  oppose  a  General  Conference? 
Decided,  in  the  affirmative. 

Election  of  Officers. — The  voting  by  ballot  resulted  in  electing  Christian 
Good,  Moderator,  Samuel  Burkholder,  Secretary  and  Samuel  Shank,  Jos.  F. 
Heatwole  and   Erasmus   Shank,  Arranging  Committee. 

Conference  adjourned  with  prayer  and  singing  hymn  No.  2  in  the  supple- 
ment. 

Members  present  at  this   conference. 

Bishops: — Abram  Shank,  Anthony  P.  Heatwole,  Lewis  J.  Heatwole. — 3. 

Ministers: — John  Geil,  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Jacob  R.  Hildebrand,  Jacob  Martin, 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  65 

Lewis  Shank,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  Simeon  Heatwole,  Samuel  Shank,  Peter 
S  Heatwole,  Christian  Good,  Joseph  Hashbarger,  Solomon  Beery,  Joseph  Geil, 
Daniel  Mellinger,  *Isaac  B.  Wenger,  J.  Snively  Martin,   Erasmus  Shank.— 17. 

Deacons:— Fred  A.  Rhodes,  Michael  Shank,  Jacob  Geil,  Samuel  Weaver, 
Christian  Shank,  Elias  Brunk,  Martin  Brunk,  Jacob  Showalter,  Reuben  Rhodes, 
David  E.  Rhgdes,— 10. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  30. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  OCTOBER,  1896 

Conference  convened  at  Zion  Church  (Lower  District),  October  2nd  and 
3rd,   1896.     Opened   Friday  morning  at  nine   o'clock. 

'christian  Good,  Moderator.     Samuel  M.  Burkholder,  Secretary. 

Bishop's  admonitions  by  Abram  Shank,  Anthony  Heatwole,  Lewis  J.  Heat- 
wole, John  M.  Shenk,  of  Ohio. 

Ministers  and  deacons  followed  with  interesting  and  instructive  addresses. 

Friday  Afternoon 

The  Church  in  West  Virginia,— Suggestions  and  plans  for  fMore  system- 
atic organization  for  carrying  on  gospel  work  in  West  Virginia  was  warmly- 
discussed,  but  no  definite  action  taken. 

The  Spiritual  Condition  of  the  Church.— How  can  we  raise  the  standard' 
of  piety,  or  improve  the  spiritual  condition  of  the   church? 

Answer,  By  all  members  of  the  church  working  for  more  piety  and: 
spiriual  life,  and  a  deeper  form  of  grace  in  the  heart,  Rom.  12:10;  I  Thess.  4:9;. 
I  Tim.  5:1—8  and  I  Peter  1:22. 

Building  and  Loan  Associations. — Is  it  right  for  a  brother  or  sister  to  go' 
into  building  and  loan  associations  to  borrow  or  lend  money  knowing  that; 
usurer's  interest  is  taken  both  ways? 

This  question  was  feelingly  and  earnestly  discussed  and  many  spiritual 
passages  read,  but  no  decision  was  reached. 

Conference  adjourned  with  prayer  and  singing  the  second  hymn  in  the 
supplement. 

Members  present  at  this  conference:  '' 

Bishops: — Abram  Shank,  Anthony  P,  Heatwole,  Lewis  J.  Heatwole,  John 
M.  Shenk,  of  Ohio.— 4. 

Ministers: — Samuel  Shank,  Christian  Brunk,  John  Geil,  Joseph  Geil, 
Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  Simeon  Heatwole,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  Emanuel  Heatwole, 
Solomon  Beery,  Christian  Good,  J.  Snively  Martin,  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Abram 
B.  Burkholder,  Erasmus  Shank,  Joseph  Hashbarger,  Daniel  Mellinger,  Lewis 
Shank.— 17. 

Deacons: — Fred  A.  Rhodes,  Jacob  Geil,  Christian  Shank,  Elias  Brunk»^ 
Reuben  Rhodes,  Michael  Shank,  Jacob  Showalter. — 7. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  28. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  MAY,  1897 

The  Virginia  Conference  met  at  the  Spring  Dale,  Church,  Augusta  Cbuntyi. 


•Isaac  B.  Wenger  died  on  July  7th  following  this  conference.  This  was  the  first  and  onlyv 
conference  he  attended — having  been  in  the  ministry  only  a  little  Q\er,  twa  nioaiths.  ajid.  a^ 
half.  " 


64  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

Va.,  on  Friday,  May  14th,  1897,  opened  promptly  at  nine  o'clock  a.  m.  by  sing- 
ing hymn  No.  45,  in  "Hymns  &  Tunes." 

Christian  Good,  Moderator.     Samuel  M.  Burkholder,  Secretary. 
The  ministers  and  deacons  then  spoke  in  turn  as  usual  giving  many  rich 
admonitions,   after   which   conference   adjourned   for    dinner,    with    prayer   and 
singing  hymn  No.  38. 

Afternoon  session  opened  at  one  o'clock,  by  singing  hymn  No.  293.  The 
second  chapter  of  Ephesians  was  then  read  by  Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  which 
was  followed  by  prayer.  The  moderator  then  declared  conference  ready  for 
business: 

Question  I — "Is  it   consistent   for  our  ministers   to  preach   and  use   their 
.  influence  against  decisions  and  actions  of  conference  when  said  decisions  and 
actions    have    been    accepted    and    ratified   by   the    Church?" 
Decided  not  consistent. 

Other  matters  were  then  considered  but  no  decisions  rendered,  after 
which  conference  adjourned  with  prayer  and  singing  hymn  No-.  226. 

Saturday  morning  conference  opened  at  nine  o'clock,  by  singing  hymn  No. 
246.  The  fourth  chapter  of  Ephesians  was  then  read  by  Bishop  L.  J.  Heat- 
wole and  followed  by  prayer. 

The  moderator  then  declared  conference  ready  for  business. 
Question  II — Is  it  for  the  prosperity  and  the  upbuilding  of  the  Church* 
for  our  members  to  assist  in  revival  meetings  of  other  denominations. 
Decided  it  is  not. 

Question  III — Is  it  expedient  for  our  members  to  leave  the  audience  room 
to  wash  feet  at  the  time  of  communion  meeting? 
Decided  not  expedient. 

Decided  to  hold  next  conference  in  the  Middle  District  on  the  first  Friday 
and  Saturday  of  October  1897,  place  to  be  decided  on  hereafter.     Conference 
then  adjourned  with  prayer  and  singing  hymn  No.  197. 
Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Abram  Shank,  Anthony  P.  Heatwole,  Lewis  J.  Heatwole. — 3. 
Ministers: — Isaac  Grove,  Jacob  R.  Hildebrand,  Christian  Brunk,  Samuel 
Shank,  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Jacob  Martin,  Solomon  Beery,  Erasmus  Shank,  Simeon 
Heatwole,  Emanuel  Heatwole,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  Joseph  Hashbarger,  Lewis 
Shank,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  Abram  B.  Burkholder,  J.  Snively  Martin,  Jacob- 
Bowers,  Henry  H.  Good,  of  Tennessee. — 18. 

Deacons: — Fred  A.  Rhodes,  Michael  Shank,  Elias  Brunk,  Samuel  Weaver, 
Martin  Brunk,  Isaac  Grove,  Jr.,  Jacob  Landis,  Jacob  Showalter,  Reubert 
Rhodes.— 9. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  30. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  OCTOBER,  1897 

The  Virginia  Conference  met  at  the  Bank  Church  (Middle  District),  on 
Friday,  October  1st,  1897. 

Opened  promptly  at  nine  o'clock,  a.  m.,  by  singing  hymn  No.  one  in  supple- 
ment. 

Christian  Good,  Moderator.    Samuel  M.  Burkholder,  Secretary. 

The  afternoon  session  opened  at  1:20  o'clock,  p.  m.,  by  singing  hymn  No.. 
229  with  prayer.  The  moderator  then  declared  conference  ready  for  busi- 
ness. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  ^S 

Question  I— Should  our  members  be  allowed  to  visit  saloons  and  other 
places  where  spirituous  liquors  are  sold  and  drank,  to  engage  in  drinking?" 
—I  Thessalonians,  V.  22.— "Abstain  from  all  appearance  of  evil." 
Decided,  "It  shall  not  be  allowed." 

Question  II— If  a  member  commits  an  offense  against  the  acts  of  con- 
ference, is  it  necessary  to  ask  the  Church  what  they  require  of  him.  Should 
not  the  Bishop  dispose  of  his  case  without  consulting  the  Church? 

Decided  all  such  cases  should  be  submitted  to  the  church  counsel  except 
those  already  provided  for. 

Conference  then  adjourned  with  prayer  and  singing  hymn  No.  33  in  supple- 
ment. 

Saturday  morning  Conference  opened  with  singing  hymn  No.  175.  Bishop 
A.  P.  Heatwole,  read  the  fourth  chapter  of  first  Corinthians,  which  was  fol- 
lowed by  prayer. 

The  moderator  then  declared  conference  ready  for  business. 
Question  III— If  a  member  transgresses  and  is  willing  to  make  an  open 
acknowledgment  before  the  church,  should  the  church  counsel  be  taken? 
Decided  not.  necessary. 

Question  IV— How  can  inactive  and  careless  members  be  brought  to  more 
activity  in  the  spiritual  life  and  a  living  faith  in  Christ? 

Referred  to  a  former  decision,  which  reads,  "Resolved  that  the  Bishops, 
ministers  and  deacons  have  a  special  care  over  them  and  visit  them  with 
brotherly  kindness." 

Question  V— Would  it  not  be  for  the  prosperity  of  the  church  to  have 
special  meetings  for  the  purpose  of  instructing  our  members  and  get  them 
to  see  the  importance  of  living  more  devoted  to  the  rules  and  regulations  of 
Conference? 

Decided  in  the  affirmative.  Col.  3,  16. 

*A  plan  was  then  called  for  by  which  a  reconciliation  might  be  brought 
about  in  the  Middle  District.    The  following  resolutions  were  adopted: 


•The  matter  here  referred  to  is  known  as  "The  Middle  District  Trouble."  This  primarily  had 
its  origin  with  certain  members  of  the  Middle  district  congregations  who  as  early  as  the 
year  1891  became  dissatisfied  by  reason  of  the  introduction  of  new  features  of  Church  work 
— notably  Sunday  Schools,  Series  of  Meetings,  Mission  work  of  the  Church,  etc.  An  open 
declaration  of  their  dissatisfaction  did  not  develop  until  December  10th,  1895,  when  an 
ordination  sermon  for  choosing  candidates  for  the  ministry  was  preached  at  the  Bank 
Church  by  Lewis  J.  Heatwole,  in  which  the  scriptural  qualifications  for  a  minister,  along 
with  the  things  that  may  disqualify,  were  so  sharply  drawn  as  to  cause  great  offense  to  many 
members  of  the  Church,  and  more  especially  to  those  who  had  hitherto  been  dissatisfied. 

As  the  trouble,  in  the  next  two  years  continued  to  grow  and  spread  rather  than  to 
subside,  the  Virginia  Conference,  in  its  session  at  the  Bank  Church  October  2,  1897,  pro- 
vided for  the  selection  of  a  committee  whose  duty  it  should  be  to  investigate  the  trouble 
and  if  possible,  to  restore  love  and  harmony  in  the  Church.  Both  sides  were  to  be  given 
a  hearing  and  the  decision  of  the  committee  was  to  be  final.  The  committee  was  com- 
posed of  Bishop  Isaac  Eby  and  Deacon  Jacob  M.  Greider  of  Pennsylvania  and  C.  B.  Brenne- 
man  of   Ohio. 

After  being  in  session  for  four  days  at  Weavers  Church  December  14th  to  17th,  1897, 
this  committee  in  its  findings  decided  that  Lewis  J.  Heatwole  was  in  error,  who  at  once 
made   his   confession   before   the    Church. 

Nearly  all  the  prominent  leaders  with  the  dissatisfied  element  were  also  found  in  error, 
and  with  a  few  exceptions,  all  made  confession ;  but  it  later  developed  that  they  could 
not  be  reconciled  to  the  decision  of  the  committee,  and  in  time  took  their  former  stand 
against  the  rulings  of  the   Church  and  its  councils. 

At  a  general  membership  meeting  held  at  the  Bank  church  September  4th,  1900,  all 
members  of  the  Middle  district  were  called  into  council.     In  this  meeting  about  24  minister* 


66  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

First,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  investigate  the  matter  and  ren- 
•der  a  decision. 

Second,    That  the  committee  be  selected  from  abroad. 

Third,    That  A.  Shank  and  A.  P.  Heatwole  shall  select  the  committee. 

Fourth,  That  the  committee  shall  consist  of  three  members. 

Resolved,  That  the  next  conference  be  held  at  the  Branneman  Church, 
Lower  District,  on  the  second  Friday  and  Saturday  of  May,   1898. 

Conference  then  adjourned  with  prayer  and  singing  hymn  No.  332. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Abram    Shank,    Anthony   P.    Heatwole,    Lewis   J.    Heatwole. — 3. 

Ministers: — Christian  Good,  Christian  Brunk,  John  Geil,  Samuel  Shank, 
Joseph  Geil,  Abram  B.  Burkholder,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  Erasmus  Shank,  Daniel 
Mellinger,  J.  Snively  I\lartin,  Sem,  S.  Weaver,  Simeon  Heatwole,'  Emanuel 
Heatwole,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  Lewis  Shank,  Jacob  Martin,  Peter  S.  Heat- 
wole, George  Brunk,  Joseph  Hashbarger,  Solomon  Beery,  David  Garber,  of 
Ohio.— 21. 

Deacons: — Michael  Shank,  Martin  Brunk,  Samuel  Weaver,  Isaac  Grove, 
Jr.,  Fred  A.  Rhodes,  Jacob  Landis,  Peter  Blosser,  David  E.  Rhodes,  Reuben 
Rhodes,  Henry  Powell,  of  Tennessee. — 10. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  34.- 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  MAY,  1898 

The  Virginia  Conference  met  at  the  Branneman  Church,  Lower  District,  on 
Friday,  May  13th,  1898. 

Opened  at  9:15  o'clock,  a.  m.,  by  singing  hymn  No.  1  in  supplement. 

Christian  Good,  moderator.    Samuel  M.  Burkholder,  Secretary. 

The  ministers  and  deacons  then  as  usual  spoke  in  turn,  giving  many  whole- 
some admonitions  and  expressed  a  desire  and  a  willingness  to  labor  on  in  the 
good  work,  after  which  conference  adjourned  for  dinner,  with  prayer  and 
singing  hymn  No.  180. 

The  afternoon  session  opened  at  one  o'clock,  p.  m.,  by,  singing  hymn  No. 
229,  followed  with  prayer. 

The  moderator  then  declared  conference  read}'-  for  business. 

Question  I — Whereas  the  hymn  and  tune  book  is  not  giving  general  satis- 
faction, would  not  this  conference  advise  the  compiling  of  another  one,  suitable 
for  church  purposes,  and  also'  to  be  used  in  Sunday  School? 

Decided  advisable. 

Question  II — Is  it  proper  to  use  the  term  foot  washing  when  the  Script- 
ures call  it  feet  washing? 


and  deacons  of  the  Virginia  Conference  were  present.  Of  the  251  members  of  the  Church 
who  here  presented  themselves  in  council,  all  identified  themselves  with  the  Church  but 
ten. 

All  members  of  Middle  district  who  failed  to  appear  in  this  council,  were  afterward 
visited  by  officials  of  the  Church  and  admonished  and  solicited  to  identify  themselves  with 
the  church  and  abide  by  the  decision  of  the  committee.  The  sum  total  showed  that  433 
members  stood  by  the  committee  as  well  as  the  Church  and  its  councils,  and  69  who  re- 
fused, and  31  who  requested  more  time. 

After  waiting  7  months  longer  for  the  dissatisfied  ones  to  decide  finally  for  themselves, 
the  matter  was  closed  up,  on  the  31st  day  of  March  1901,  at  the  time  of  public  worship  at 
the  Bank  Church,  when  the  names  of  69  persons  were  published  as  such  who  were  no 
longer  to  be  considered  as  members  of  the  Church. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  67 

"If  I  then,  your  Lord  and  Master,  have  washed  your 
feet,  ye  also  ought  to  wash  one  another's  feet."— John  13:14. 

Decided  not   proper. 

Conference  then  adjourned  (to  meet  Saturday  morning),  with  prayer  and 
singing. 

Saturday  morning  conference  opened  with  singing,  reading  from  the. 
Scriptures  and  prayer. 

The  moderator  then  declared  conference  ready  for  business. 

Question  III — Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  asked  conference  to  consider  the- 
necessity  of  sending  ministers  to  remain  with  the  small  congregations  of  mem- 
bers without  a  minister. 

Resolved,  That  this  conference  put  forth  an  effort  to  fill  the  above  named 
places  with  suitable  ministers  well  established  in  the  faith. 

Question  IV — Christian  Brunk  asked  permission  to  ordain  a  deacon  in  the. 
Winchester  District.      Granted. 

The  following  officers  were  then  elected: 

Moderator,  C.  Good.       Secretary,  S.  M.  Burkholder. 

Arranging  Committee,  Samuel  Shank,  J.  F.  Heatwole,  Erasmus  Shank. 

Resolved,  To  hold  the  next  conference  at  the  Spring  Dale,  Church,  Augus- 
ta county,  Va.,  on  the  first  Friday  of  October,  1898. 

Conference  then  adjourned  with  prayer  and  singing  hymn  No'.  272. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Abram  Shank,  Anthony  P.  Heatwole,  Lewis  J.  Heatwole. — 3. 

Ministers: — Samuel  Shank,  Lewis  Shank,  Erasmus  Shank,  Christian  Brunk^ 
Joseph  Geil,  John  Geil,  Christian  Good,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  Abram  B.  Burkholder,. 
Sem  S.  Weaver,  J.  Snively  Martin,  Emanuel  Heatwole,  Jacob  Martin,  Simeon 
Heatwole,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  Daniel  Mellinger,  Joseph  Hashbarger. — 17. 

Deacons: — Michael  Shank,  Christian  Shank,  Jacob  Geil,  Elias  Brunk,  Mar- 
tin Brunk,  Samuel  Weaver,  Jacob  Showa'lter,  Fred  A.  Rhodes,  Isaac  Grove. — 
9. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  29. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  OCTOBER,  1898 

The  Virginia  Conference  met  at  the  Springdale  Church,  Upper  District,, 
on  Friday,  October  7th,  1898. 

Conference  opened  at  nine  o'clock  a.  m.,  by  singing  hymn  No.  45.  The 
fourth  chapter  of  Eph.,  was  read  by  Bishop  A.  Shank,  and  silent  prayer  was 
offered. 

The  moderator  then  read  the  rules  of  conference. 

The  secretary  not  being  present,  A.  D.  Wenger,  of  Millersville,  Penn- 
sylvania, was  elected  to  serve  in  that  capacity. 

Christian   Good,   Moderator.     Amos   D.   Wenger,   Secretary. 

The  afternoon  session  opened  at  one  o'clock  p.  m.,  by  singing  hymn  Noi. 
224,  and  by  prayer. 

The  moderator  then  declared  conference  ready  for  business. 
Question   I — What   steps  should  this   conference   take  to  plant   congrega- 
tions of  our  faith  in  new  fields? 

Resolved,   That   this    conference   put   forth    an    effort    to    secure   men  who 


68  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

•will  go  and  teach  the  doctrines  of  Christ  in  new  places  and  remain  as  long  as 
expedient  in  these  places. 

Question  II — How  may  our  members  and  others  be  made  to  understand 
our  peculiar  doctrine  as  found  in  the  word  of  God? 

Resolved,  That  we  direct  them  to  search  the  Scriptures,  and  place  before 
them  such  literature  as  the  Mennonite  Confession  of  Faith,  Manual  of  Bible 
Doctrines  and  also  that  our  ministers  preach  these  doctrines  more. 

Question  III — Would  not  this  conference  think  it  to  be  the  upbuilding 
of  the  church  to  have  well  conducted  Young  People's  Meetings  to'  engage  in 
singing  sacred  music  and  reading  of  the  Scriptures  and  considering  the  same? 

Resolved,  That  Young  People's  Meetings  be  allowed  where  the  majority 
of  the  members  desire  it,  to  sing  sacred  songs  and  to  study  the  Scriptures 
under  the  oversight  O'f  the  ministers  and  the  older  brethren  as  long  as  they  are 
conducted  in  an  orderly  way.  The  afternoon  session  adjourned  at  four  o'clock 
with  prayer  and  singing  of  hymn  No.  452. 

The  Saturday  morning  session  opened  at  nine  o'clock  with  singing  of 
hymn  No.  163,  followed  by  Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  reading  II  Corinthians, 
4:1 — 18  and  prayer.  The  moderator  then  declared  conference  ready  for  busi- 
ness. 

Question  IV — Should  this  conference  require  the  secretary  to  record  the 
names  of  all  parties  bringing  in  questions  and  the  names  of  the  party  making 
a  motion,  that  their  names  may  appear  on  the  minutes  of  conference? 

Answer,  Yes. 

Considerable  time  was  taken  for  the  discussion  of  how  we  should  care 
for  the  poor,  also  the  manner  of  conducting  funerals,  the  propriety  of  the 
woman's  prayer  head  covering  were  discussed  at  a  considerable  length. 

Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  announced  that  the  next  conference  would  meet  in 
the  Middle  District  at  the  Weaver  Church  on  the  second  Friday  of  May, 
1899. 

Conference  adjourned  at  11:20  a.  m.,  with  remarks' by  Bishop  A.  Shank, 
prayer  and  hymn  No.  444. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Abram  Shank,  Anthony  P.  Heatwole,  Lewis  J.  Heatwole. — 3. 

Ministers: — Abram  B.  Burkholder,  Joseph  Geil,  Isaac  Grove,  Sr.,  Christian 
Good,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  J.  Snively  Martin,  Jacob  Martin, 
Samuel  Shank,  Lewis  Shank,  Erasmus  Shank,  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Amos  D. 
Wenger,  of  Pennsylvania. — 13. 

Deacons: — Elias  Brunk,  Martin  Brunk,  Isaac  Grove,  Jr.,  Samuel  Weaver, 
John  Landis,  of  Pennsylvania. — 5. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,   Ministers  and  Deacons  21. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  MAY,  1899 

The  Virginia  Conference  met  at  Weavers  Church,  Middle  District,  on 
Friday,  May  12th,  1899.  Opened  at  nine  o'clock,  a.  m.,  by  singing  hymn  No. 
1  in  Supplement.  Bishop  A.  Shank  read  the  twelfth  chapter  of  Romans,  which 
was  followed  by  secret  prayer. 

The  moderator  then  read   the  rules   of  conference. 
Christian  Good,  Moderator.     Samuel  M.  Burkholder,  Secretary. 
The  ministers  and  deacons  then  spoke  in  turn  as  usual,  after  which  confer- 
ence adjourned  for  dinner,  with  prayer  and  singing  hymn  No.  391. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  69 

Afternoon  Session.— Conference  opened  at  1:10  o'clock  by  singing  hymn 
No.  2  in  supplement,  which  was  followed  with  prayer. 

The  moderator  then   declared  conference  ready  for  business. 

Question  I— Has  a  member  a  right  to  vote  for  a  brother  in  another  dis- 
trict for  minister  or  deacon?     Decided  in  the  negative. 

Question  II— Shall  votes  be  received  that  are  given  by  proxy  in  church 
work,  verbal  or  written?     Decided  they  shall  not. 

Question  III— Does  this  conference  think  it  consistent  to  withold  the 
right  from  the  bishops  of  the  church  to  unite  a  brother  or  sister  in  marriage 
to  one  of  another  church  or  a  non-professor,  and  at  the  same  time  consider 
such  members  in  harmony  with  the  church  after  being  united  in  marriage,  the 
ceremony  having  been  performed  by  some  one  else  having  such  power?  An- 
swer.   We  consider  it  consistent. 

Conference  then  adjourned  with  prayer  and  singing  hymn  No.  33  in  supple- 
ment. 

Saturday  Morning. — Conference  opened  at  8:30  o'clock  with  singing  hymn 
No.  186. 

Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  read  a  portion  of  Scripture  which  was  followed: 
with  prayer. 

The  moderator  then  declared  conference  ready  for  business. 

Question  IV — Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  asked  permission  of  conference  to 
ordain  a  minister  in  his  district.     Granted. 

Question  V — Whereas  certain  bequests  have  been  made  to  the  Mennonite 
Church,  but  as  no  one  was  specified  to  receive  such  bequests,  the  benefits  were 
lost  to  the  church,  therefore  we  as  ministers  and  deacons  of  this  conference 
feel  the  necessity  of  instructing  our  members  that  in  case  they  wish  to  make 
such  bequests  to  name  some  individual  to  receive  such  bequests  and  hold  them 
in  trust  for  the  benefit  of  the  church. 

Question  VI — It  was  decided  to  retain  S.  M.  Burkholder  as  Secretary  of 
conference  till  his  term  expires,  notwithstanding  his  being  a  member  of  confer- 
ence. 

Next  conference  will  be  held  at  the  Zion  Church,  Lower  District,  on  the 
first  Friday  in  October,  1899. 

Conference  adjourned  with  prayer  and  singing  hymn  No.  235. 

Members   present  at  this   conference: 

♦Bishops: — Abram  Shank,  Anthony  P.  Heatwole,  Lewis  J.  Heatwole. — 3.. 

Ministers: — John  Geil,  Christian  Brunk,  Lewis  Shank,  Jacob  R.  Hilde- 
brand,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  Abram  B.  Burkholder,  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Jacob  Martin, 
J.  Snively  Martin,  Joseph  Hashbarger,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  Samuel  Shank,. 
Christian   Good,   Philip   H.   Parret,   George   Ernst,   of   Pennsylvania. — 15. 

Deacons: — Michael  Shank,  Martin  Brunk,  Christian  Eversole,  Henry 
Blosser,  Samuel  Weaver,  Jacob  Showalter,  Samuel  M.  Burkholder. — 7. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,   Ministers  and  Deacons  25. 


*Bishop  Jacob   Hildebrand  died   February   15th  before  this  conference. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  OCTOBER,  1899 

The  Virginia  Conference  met  at  the  Zion  Church,  Lower  District,  on  Fri- 
day, October  6th,  1899. 

Opened  at  nine  o'clock,  a.  Tn.,  by  singing  hymn  No.  1  in  supplement,  fol- 


70  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

lowed  by  the  reading  of  the  fourth  chapter  of  Ephesians  by  Bishop  A.  P.  Heat 
wole  and  prayer. 

Christian   Good,    IModerator;     Samuel    M.   Burkholder,    Secretary. 

The  moderator  then  read  the  rules  of  conference. 

The  ministers  and  deacons  then  spoke  in  turn,  admonishing,  instructing 
and  encouraging  each  other  to  be  faithful  to  their  calling. 

Conference  then  adjourned  for  dinner  with  prayer  and  singing  hymn  No. 
265. 

Afternoon  session  opened  at  1:30  o'clock  by  singing  hymn  No.  329  and 
prayer. 

The  moderator  then  declared  conference  ready  for  business. 

Question  I — L.  J.  Heatwole  asked  conference  if  they  would  ratify  the 
appointment  of  the  committee  comtposed  of  Joseph  Shank,  C.  H.  Brunk  and 
Samuel  Weaver  to  compile  the  new  Hymn  and  Tune  Book  spoken  of  at  a 
former  conference.     Decided  in  the  affirmative. 

Question  II — Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  asked  permission  to  ordain  a  deacon 
in  Fauquier  or  Prince  William  counties.     Granted. 

Question  III — What  does  this  conference  recommend  as  the  best  way  to 
suppress  the  excessive  laughing,  loud  talking  and  other  boisterous  conduct 
indulged  in  by  persons  on  the  outside  of  some  of  our  churches  during  the 
time  of  sacramental  meetings. 

Resolved,     That  this  matter  be  referred  to  the  supervision  of  the  deacons. 

Question  IV — Is  it  considered  consistent  for  our  ministers  to'  publish 
appointments  for  preaching  for  Mormon  preachers?     Considered  inconsistent. 

Question  V — Considerable  was  then  said  with  regard  to  the  inconsistency 
of  so  much  talking  and  laughing  in  the  church  after  the  congregation  is  dis- 
missed. It  was  decided  that  the  Bishop  should  instruct  their  congregations 
to  abstain  from  it. 

Conference  then  adjourned  with  prayer  and  singing  hymn  No;  115. 

Saturday  morning  conference  opened  at  8:30  o'clock  by  singing  hymn  No. 
16,  followed  by  the  reading  of  the  12th  chapter  of  Romans  by  Bishop  A.  Shank 
and  prayer. 

Question  VI — Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  introduced  the  14th  verse  of  the  6th 
chapter  of  II  Corinthians,  which  was  much  commented  upon,  and  a  resolution 
was  passed  that  the  Bishops  of  each  district  see  that  a  sermon  be  preached 
from  time  to  time  on  the  subject  of  the  unequal  yoke  with  reference  to  th« 
marriage  relation,  as  well  as  the  worldly  business  relations. 

Next  conference  will  be  held  at  the  Spring  Dale  Church,  Upper  District, 
on  the  second  Friday  of  May,  1900. 

Conference  then  adjourned  with  prayer  and  singing  hymn  No.  389. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Abram  Shank,  Anthony  P.  Heatwole,  Lewis  J.  Heatwole. — 3. 

*Ministers:— Christian  Brunk,  John  Geil,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  Lewis  Shank, 
Mlartin  Brunk,  Joseph  Geil,  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Christian  Good,  Samuel  Shank, 
Abram  B.  Burkholder,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  Jacob  Martin,  Joseph  Hashbarger, 
J.  Snively  Martin,  Erasmus  Shank,  Daniel  F.  Driver,  of  Missouri  and  Noah  O. 
Blosser,  of  Ohio.— 18. 

Deacons: — Henry  Blosser,  Michael  Shank,  Jacob  Geil,  Jacob  Showalter, 
Samuel  Weaver,  Elias  Brunk,  Christian  Shank,  Samuel  M.  Burkholder.— 8. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  29. 


•Preacher  Isaac  Grove,  Sr.,  died  May  2Sth  before  this  conference. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  71 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  MAY,  1900 

The  Virginia  Conference  met  at  the  Spring  Dale  Church,  Upper  District, 
on  Friday,  May  11th,  1900. 

Opened  at  nine  o'clock,  a.  m.,  by  singing  hymn  No.  45  in  Hymns  &  Tunes, 
followed  by  the  reading  of  Rom.  12,  and  prayer. 

The  moderator  then  read  the  rules  of  conference. 

Christian  Good,  Moderator.     Samuel  M.  Burkholder,  Secretary. 

Afternoon  session  opened  at  one  o'clock  by  singing  hymn  No.  255  and 
prayer. 

The  moderator  then  declared  conference  ready  for  business. 

Question  I — By  the  request  of  Bishop  J.  M.  Shenk,  of  Ohio,  Bishop  A.  P. 
Heatwole  asked  conference  if  they  would  associate  with  them  the  congregation 
in  Warwick  County,  Va. 

Resolved.  That  we  accept  them  providing  they  are  one  with  us  in  doctrine 
and  faith  and  willing  to  work  in  subjection  to  this  conference. 

Question  II — If  contracting  brethren  and  sisters  desire  to  have  thi  mar- 
riage ceremony  performed  in  a  church  should  their  requests  be  granted.  Not 
considered  advisable. 

Question  III — Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  asked  permission  of  conference  to 
■ordain  a  deacon  in  the  upper  part  of  his  district.  The  permission  was  granted. 

Question  IV — To  what  class  of  communicants  has  the  apostle  reference 
and  what  is  the  nature  of  the  inconsistency  alluded  to  in  I  Corinthians  11:27 
where  the  apostle  speaks  of  partaking  of  the  bread  and  the  cup  of  the  Lord  un- 
worthily? Compare  also  II  Corinthians  13:5  and  Numbers  9:10 — 13.  Some 
of  the  inconsistencies  committed  are: 

By  Carelessness. 

By  expressing  a  union  with  God  where  there  is  none. 

By  expressing  a  union  with  those  that  obey  not  the  Gospel. 

By  not  communing  at  all. 

Question  V — Whereas  it  has  been  a  custom  at  funerals  to  extend  a  general 
invitation  for  all  to  return  to  the  house  of  the  deceased  to  lake  dinner,  would 
not  this  conference  think  it  for  good  not  to  give  such  invitation?  At  the 
conference  at  the  Spring  Dale  Church,  _May  11,  1888  a  question  similar  to  this 
was  considered  and  it  was  decided  not  to  be  consistent  with  the  occasion. 

Conference  then  adjourned  with  prayer  and  singing  hymn  No.  31. 

Conference  opened  Saturday  morning  at  8:30  o'clock  by  singing  hymn  No. 
165. 

Bishop  G.  R.  Brunk  then  read  the  4th  chapter  of  Ephesians  which  was  fol- 
lowed by  prayer. 

The  moderator  then  declared  conference  ready  for  business. 

Question  VI — In  case  one  of  our  brethren  in  order  and  good  standing  in 
the  church,  should  feel  called  to  preach  the  Gospel  would  this  conference  grant 
the  privilege  on  probation,  then  after  a  few  years  of  such  service  by  the  con- 
sent and  approval  of  the  congregation  and  conference  be  ordained  to  the 
ministry?     Not  granted. 

Question  VII — Would  not  this  conference  provide  a  way  to  assist  in  the 
support  of  our  foreign  missionaries?  Resolved,  That  the  deacons  of  each  dis- 
trict appoint  a  committee  of  one^or  more  to'  solicit  funds  for  the  above  named 
purpose. 


72  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

Question  VIII — Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  asked  by  the  request  of  H.  L. 
Rhodes,  permission  to  ordain  a  minister  in  Fauquier  County,  Va.     Granted. 

Question  IX — As  the  Secretary  of  Conference  has  heretofore  been  selected 
from  the  laity,  would  not  this  conference  grant  the  privilege  of  selecting  also 
from  the  members  of  conference  if  desired.     Not  granted. 

The  following  officers  were  elected:  ' 

Moderator,  C.  Good.       Secretary,  C.  H.  Brunk. 

Arranging  committee,  Samuel  Shank,  J.  F.  Heatwole  and  Erasmus  Shank. 

Next  conference  will  be  held  at  the  Bank  Church,  Middle  District,  the 
first  Friday  of  October,  1900. 

After  reading  of  minutes  conference  adjourned  with  prayer  and  singing 
hymn  No.  435. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Abram  Shank,  Anthony  P.  Heatwole,  Lewis  J.  Heatwole,  George 
R.  Brunk,  of  Kansas. — 4. 

Ministers: — Christian  Brunk,  Abram  B.  Burkholder,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole, 
Sem  S.  Weaver,  J.  Snively  Martin,  Jacob  Martin,  Joseph  Geil,  Joseph  Hash- 
barger.  Christian  Good,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  Erasmus  Shank,  Samuel  Shank,  Jacob 
R.  Hildebrand,  Amos  D.  Wenger,  Lewis  Lehman, Hagy,  of  Pennsyl- 
vania.— 16. 

Deacons: — Samuel  Weaver,  Isaac  Grove,  Elias  Brunk,  Henry  Blosser, 
Henry  L.  Rhodes,  Samuel  M.  Burkholder,  John  C.  Driver,  of  Missouri. — 7. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  27. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  OCTOBER,  1900 

The  semi-annual  Conference  of  Virginia  met  at  the  Bank  Church,  (Middle 
District),  on  Friday,  October  6,  1900,  and  was  opened  at  nine  o'clock  a.  m., 
by  use  of  hymn  No.  1  in  supplement,  announced  by  the  moderator.  After 
the  singing.  Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  read  the  fourth  chapter  of  Ephesians  and 
following  this  conference  engaged  in  silent  prayer. 

Christian  Good,  being  moderator,  read  the  rules  of  conference.  C.  H. 
Brunk,  Secretary. 

Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  gave  an  invitation  of  welcome  to  members  present 
of  other   conferences,   to   take   part   with  us   in   this   conference. 

The  other  ministers  and  the  deacohs  now  spake  in  turn  as  called  upon  by 
Deacon  Jacob  Showalter. 

Preparatory  to  adjournment  for  noon  recess  hymn  No.  249  was  sung  and 
silent  prayer  engaged  in.  The  moderator  announced  a  recess  of  one  and  one- 
fourth  hours. 

Upon  reassembling  at  1:15  o'clock  hymns  135  and  246  were  used,  after 
which  Bishop  Kauffman  read  the  third  chapter  I  Corinthians,  and  conference 
again  engaged  in  silent  prayer.  The  moderator  now  declared  conference  ready 
for  business. 

Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  stated  that  printed  applications  for  ministerial  per- 
mits have  been  exhausted,  and  asked  the  pleasure  of  conference  about  having  a 
new  supply  printed.     Decided  by  vote  to  have  a  new  supply  printed. 

Query  I — What  is  the  attitude  of  this  conference  toward  worldly  fashions 
and  popularity. 

Resolved,  That  as  a  conference  we  deem  it  expedient  to  hold  tO'  and  re- 
commend tO'  our  churches  Christ  and  the  apostle's  teaching  on  this  line,  and 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  73 

recommend  that  our  ministers  and  especially  the  Bishops  study  and  show  up 
the  inconsistency  of  these  things  in  their  true  light  and  insist  that  each  brother 
•and  si-ter  live  out  these  principles  in  their  lives  wherever  they  are  according 
to  Matt.  23:5;  Luke  16:15;  II  Tim.  2:9,  10;  Rom.  12:2;  I  Peter  2:9,  10;  1:14; 
3:3,  4;  Jas.  1:21,  27;  4:4;  I  John  2:15. 

After  some  announcements,  prayer  and  the  singing  of  hymn  20  conference 
adjourned  to  meet  tomorrow  morning  at  half  past  eight  o'clock. 

Saturday 

Conference  opened  Saturday  morning  at  8:30  o'clock  by  singing  hymn  279, 
after  which  Bishop  D.  Kaufifman  read  and  explained  II  Tim.  4,  and  asked  con- 
ference to  engage  in  prayer.  The  moderator  said  conference  is  ready  for  busi- 
ness. 

Query  II — Have  we  a  right  to  choose  our  Gospel  soil  in  reference  to  person 
as  to  talent,  reputation,  influence  "Preach  the  Gospel  to  every  creature."  On 
motion  the  question  was  tabled. 

Query  III — What  is  the  sense  of  this  conference  in  regard  to  Paul's 
teaching  I  Cor.  14:34,  35  and  I  Tim.  2:12.  Does  he  mean  to  forbid  woman  to 
teach  in  the  churches  altogether? 

Ansivcr,  A  study  of  the  scriptures  convinces  us  that  God  intended  that 
woman  should,  in  Christian  work  occupy  the  position  in  which  she  was  created 
— as  the  help  meet  for  man.  In  the  light  of  such  scriptures  as  Acts.  2:17;  21:9; 
Rom.  16:1-3;  I  Cor.  14:31-40  and  Phil.  4:3.  it  is  evident  that  Paul  intended  the 
admonitions  referred  to  as  a  rebuke  to  disorderly  conduct  and  woman  us- 
urping authority,  rather  than  as  a  restriction  against  using  her  talent  in 
Christian  work.  There  is  no  instance  recorded  in  the  New  Testament  in  which 
Christ  or  the  apostles  or  the  Church  appointed  or  ordained  a  woman  to  serve 
as  a  public  minister  of  the  Gospel,  and  we  believe  that  it  is  clearly  without  her 
sphere  of  labor,  and  contrary  to  the  spirit  of  the  Gospel  for  her  to  serve  in 
such  a  position  today:  yet  in  general  Christian  work,  we  see  no  scriptural  rea- 
son why  she  should  not,  when  in  Scriptural  order  (I  Cor.  11:2-16)  use  her 
talent. 

Query  IV — What  is  the  correct  rendering  of  the  prayer  head  covering  and 
how  may  it  be  more  firmly  established?  After  a  vivid  explanation  of  the 
apostle's  meaning  as  to'-the- prayer  head  covering,  by  Bishop  George  R.  Brunk 
the  question  was  tabled  for  want  of  more  timfe. 

Bishop  Shank  states  that  the  next  conference  will  meet  at  the  Brenneman 
Church  on  the  second  Friday  in  May  with  the  privilege  of  holding  the  same  at 
Lindale,  to  be  at  the  pleasure  of  the  Lower  District.  The  minutes  of  conference 
being  read  and  adopted  conference  adjourned  at  11:30  o'clock  a.  m.,  after  silent 
prayer  and  singing  hymn  No.  2  in  supplement. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Abram  Shank.  Anthony  P.  Heatwole  .Lewis  J.  Heatwole,  George 
R.  Brunk,  of  Kansas,  Daniel  Kaufifman,  of  Missouri. — 5. 

*Ministers: — Christian  Brunk,  Christian  Good,  Daniel  Mellinger,  Jos.  F. 
Heatwole,  Erasmus  Shank,  Martin  Brunk,  Abram  B.  Burkholder,  J.  Snively 
Martin,  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Edward  J.  Berkey,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  Lewis  Shank, 
Jacob,  Martin,  Samuel  Shank,  Joseph  Geil,  Jacob  R.  Hildebrand. — 16. 

Deacons: — Isaac  Grove,  EHas  Brunk,  Jacob  Geil,  Michael  Shank,  Samuel 
Weaver.  Timothy  Wenger,  Samuel  M.  Burkholder,  Jacob  Showalter. — 8. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  29. 


'Preacher  John  Geil  died  on  July  28th  previous  to  this  conference. 


74  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  / 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  MAY,  1901  / 

The  Senii-Annual  Conference  of  Virginia  met  at  the  Lindale  Church  (iLower 
District),  on  Frida3\  May  10th,  1901,  and  was  opened  at  nine  o'clock/  a.  m., 
by  the  use  of  hymn  No.  1  in  supplement,  the  reading  of  the  first  chaf[)ter  of 
Corinthians  by  L.  J.  Heatwole  and  prayer.  ' 

C.  Good,  the  moderator,  read  the  rules  of  conference.  C.  H.  Brunli',  Secre- 
tarj-. 

Conference  again  opened  witli  prayer  and  use  of  hymn  No.  125.  The  moder- 
ator declared  conference  ready  for  business. 

A.  P.  Heatwole  stated  that  there  was  a  slight  misunderstanding  with  regard 
to  the  Warwick  Church;  that  they  have  not  yet  put  in  a  formal  application  to 
unite  with  this  conference. 

Question  I — Bishop  Abraham  Shank  asked  permission  to  ordain  two  min- 
isters in  his  district.     Permission  granted. 

Question  II — Should  the  church  be  counseled  in  any  way  before  receiving 
members  into  the  church  by  baptism  or  otherwise,  after  application  is  made  and 
their  names  published,  aside  of  the  liberty  alwaj's  given  individual  members  to 
object  on  scriptural  grounds? 

A)tszi'er,    Not   necessar}'. 

Question  III — When  a  member  of  the  Church  belonging  to  one  district  be- 
comes a  transgressor  while  temporarily  residing  in  another  district,  whoso  duty 
shall  it  be  to  investigate  the  matter? 

Answer,    The  duty  of  those  in  whose  district  the  offence  was  committed. 

Friday  Afternoon 

Question  IV — Question  (1)  enacted  at  Weavers  Church,  May  8,  1896, 
reads:  "Should  not  all  members  of  conference  have  the  privilege  of  presenting 
their  own  questions  at  the  time  of  conference."  Resolved,  That  this  be 
amended  to  read:  "Should  not  every  member  of  conference  have  the  privilege 
of  presenting  their  own  questions  in  conference  that  spring  up  in  their  minds  in 
time  of  conference,  as  the  original  question  was  intended."  On  mo'tioh,  the 
'  change  was  adopted. 

Questioti  V — Was  tabled. 

Question  VI — Why  do   we  oppose  life  insurance. 
,  For   answer   see   the   following  scriptures:    Luke    12:24;    ^latt.  6:25:    Luke 
12:26^1;  Matt. 6:19-21:'ll  Cor.  6:14-18;  Prov.  29:25;  I   Cor.  6:20.  ^ 

....  Remarks. — We  shoidd   make   Christ  our  life   insuraace   for  ourselves,,  our 
families  and  our  church.  "Our  life  is  hid  Avith  Christ  in   God^" 

Question  VII — Would  it  not  be  right  for  an  ofHcial  movi.ogJrom  one, district, 
jocality  or  ^State,  to  another,  to  counsel  the  voice  of  the  body  arjipng,  whom 
fhey  propose  to  dwell  to  see  if  his.  official  bb.ors  will, be  agreeable,  becided  that 
it  would  be  right. 

,  After 'singing,  hymns   Nos.   143  and  58  and.  prayer,   on   motion,   conference 

.adjourned  to  meet  tomorrow  morning  at  8:30  o'clock... 

Co.nference  opened  this  Saturday  morning  at  8:30  o'clock  by  use  of  hymn 
, No.  251,  the  reading  of  the  fourth  chapter  of  I  Corinthians  and  .pray.er. 

Bishop. L.  J.  Heatwole  made  some  remarks  as  to  the  outlook  of  the  ministe- 
rial or  church  work  in  West  Virginia.  .  .,  . 

Question  VIII — Inasmuch  as  it  has  become  very  prevalent  to  have  pictures 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  75 

taken  and  hanging  them  in  our  houses,  should  not  this  confernce  protest  against 
the  same? 

Rcsolz'cd,  That  this  conference  does  not  approve  of  taking  pictures  and 
having  them  on  exhibition  for  the  following  scriptural  reasons:  I  John  2:16; 
Colossians  3:17;  Exodus  20:4;  Leviticus  26:1;  Deuteronomy  4:14-19;  Romans 
1:19-23. 

L.  J.  Heatwole,  by  request,  read  an  article  from  the  Herald  of  Truth  of  May 
1,  1901,  entitled,  "Duties  of  Church  Members,"  also  an  article  from  same  paper 
entitled,  "Danger  Signals." 

On  motion,  it  is  resolved  that  a  fund  be  created  by  the  seve/al  districts  of 
this  conference  to  defray  the  expenses  attending  the  printing  and  mailing  of  the 
minutes,  etc..  of  our  conference, -and  also  that  the  secretary  of  conference  be 
made  the  treasurer  of  that  fund. 

Brother  Samuel  Shank,  deceased,  having  been  a  member  of  the  arranging 
Committee  of  conference,  a  vote  was  taken  to  fill  that  vacancy,  which  resulted 
in  the  choice  of  Joseph  W.  Geil. 

Decided  that  the  next  conference  be  held  at  Springdale  Church,  on  the  first 
Friday  in  October,  being  the  fourth  day  of  October. 

Minutes    of  conference   read   and   approved. 

After  prayer  and  the  singing  of  hymn  No.  357,  conference  adjourned. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — *Abram   Shank,  Anthony  P.   Heatwole.   Lewis  J.    Heatwole. — 3. 

Ministers:— Abram  B.  Burkholder,  Christian  Good,  J.  Snively  Martin,  Sem 
S.  Weaver,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  Gabriel  D.  Heatwole,  George  Brunk,  Joseph  Geil. 
Christian  Brunk.  Lewis  Shank,  Jacob  Martin,  Erasmus  Shank.  Martin  Brunk, 
Joseph  Hashbarger. — 14. 

Deacons: — Elias  Brunk.  Henry  Blosser,  Samuel  M'.  Burkholder,  Jacob 
Showalter,  Timothy  Wenger.  Samuel  Weaver,  Christian  Shank,  Jacob  Geil, 
Isaac  Grove. — 9. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  ;Ministers  and  Deacons  26. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  OCTOBER,  1901 

The  Semi-Annual  Conference  of  Virginia  met  at  the  Spring  Dale  Church, 
(Upper  District),  on  Friday,  October  4th,  1901,  and  opened  at  nine  o'clock,  a. 
m.,  by  hymns  Nos.  45  and  399  of  Hymns  and  Tunes,  followed  by  the  read- 
ing of  the  fourth  chapter  of  Ephesians  by  Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole,  and  prayer. 

Christian  Good,  the  Moderator,  read  the  rules  of  the  conference. 

C.  H.  Brunk,  Secretary. 

The  moderator  stated  that  owing  to  the  death  of  Sister  Fifer  he  could  not 
be  present  during  the  remainder  of  this  conference,  and  therefore  appointed  A. 
Burkholder   to   resume   his   place. 

L.  J.  Heatwole  asked  to  have  considered  the  propriety  of  holding  only  one 
communion  meeting  in  the  spring  and  one  in  the  fall  in  his  district,  instead  of 
two  in  the  spring  and  two  in  the  fall  as  has  been  our  custom  in  the  past. 

A.   P.   Heatwole  stated   that  the   same  inquiry  might  apply  to   his   district. 

*TIiis    was    the    last    conference    attended    by    Bishop    Abram    Shank,    his    death    having   occurred 
about  a  month-and-half  after  this  conference. 

His   brother.    Preacher,    Samuel    Shank   had   died   on   April    30th   previous    to    this   con- 
ference.   


76  VIRGINIA    COXFEREN'CE    MINUTES 

Lewis  Shank  also  made  some  remarks  touching  the  same  with  regard  ir-  his- 
district. 

After  prayer  and  singing  hymn  No.  201,  on  motion,  conference  adjourned 
for  one  and  one-fourth  hours  for  dinner.  ' 

Afternoon  session  opened  by  the  use  of  hymn  No.  225  and  secret  prayer. 

The  moderator  now  declared  conference  ready  for  business  and  gave 
liberty  to  the  bishops  to  bring  any  matter  before  conference  that  they  may  have 
for  its  consideration. 

Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  solemnly  and  impressively  set  forth  the  importance 
of  more  ministerial  help  in  his  district  and  asked  conference  to  grant  him  the 
privilege  of  ordaining  two  ministers  in  his  district.  The  request  was  unan- 
imously  granted. 

The  question  with  regard  to  holding  communion  meetings  was  again 
brought  up  for  further  consideration,  and  the  consensus  of  opinion  as  expressed 
was  that  a  change  would  not  be  for  the  best. 

Question  I — Is  it  consistent  with  our  profession  to  invite  meml)ers  of  other 
denominations  to  take  part  in  our  church  service? 

Resolved,  That  we  use  discretion  and  righteous  judgment  in  matters  per- 
taining to  the  question. 

Question  II — In  as  much  as  the  church  work  in  the  West  Virginia  field  is 
attended  with  much  labor  and  disadvantage,  would  not  this  conference  take  the 
necessary  steps  to  locate  a  minister  in  that  part  of  the  field  under  the  care  of 
Middle  District. 

After  some  earnest  and  important  discussions  the  question  was  laid  over 
for  further  consideration  on  tomorrow. 

After  prayer  and  singing  hymn  No.  214,  on  motion,  conference  adjourned  to 
meet  tomorrow  at  8:30  o'clock. 

Saturday  morning,  October  5th.  8:v30  o'clock. 

Conference  opened  by  singing  hymns  Nos.  215  and  224  and  the  reading  of 
the  73rd  psalm  by  Bishop  Lewis  Shank,  and  silent  prayer. 

Conference  was   declared   ready  for  business  by  the   moderator. 

Bishop  Shank  asked  for  some  expressions  by  way  of  information  on  the 
subject  of  suing  at  law.  Reference  was  made  to  several  resolutions  formerly 
passed  upon  by  this  conference,  and  we  re-afifirm  them  to  be  in  conformity'  with 
the  following  scriptures:     Matt.  5:40,  I  Cor.  6:1-8,  I  Thes.  5:15,  etc. 

Question  two  was  again  called  and  the  following  resolutions  adopted:  Re- 
solved, That  the  bishops  of  this  conference  appoint  and  send  a  minister  to  the 
West  Virginia  field,  and  ordain  a  brother  in  the  church  there  to  the  office  of 
deacon  to  assist  in  caring  for  the  flock  there. 

Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  stated  that  the  next  conference  will  be  held  at 
the  Weaver  Church  (Middle  District),  on  the  second  Friday  in  May,  1902.  being 
the  11th  day  of  May. 

Minutes  of  conference  read  and  approved. 

Conference  adjourned  with   prayer  and   the  use  of  hymn    No.   296. 

Members   present  at   this   conference: 

Bishops: — Anthony  P.  Heatwole.  Lewis  J.  Heatwole,  Lewis  Shank. — 3. 

Ministers:-— Abram  15.  Burkholder.  Christian  Good.  J.  Snively  Martin.  Sem 
S.  Weaver,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  Erasmus  Shank,  Jacob  Martin,  Joseph  Hashbar- 
ger,  Jacob  R.  Hildebrand,  Joseph  Geil,  Perry  Shank,  George  Showalter,  Christ- 
ian  Brunk,   Martin   Brunk. — 14. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  H 

Deacons: — Timothy  Wenger.   Isaac   Grove,   Benjamin   Brenneman,   Samuel 
M.  Burkholder,  Henry  Blosser,  EHas  Brunk,  Jacob  Showalter.— 7. 
Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  24. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  MAY  9th  AND   10th,  1902 

The  Semi-Annual  Conference  of  Virginia  met  at  the  Weaver  Church 
(Middle  District),  on  Friday,  May  9th,  1902,  and  opened  at  nine  o'clock,  a.  m., 
with  devotional  exercises  as  follows:  By  the  use  of  hymns  Nos.  1  and  20  of 
Hymn  Book,  the  former  in  supplement,  the  reading  of  the  fourth  chapter  of 
II   Corinthians  by  Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  and  silent  prayer. 

Christian  Good,  the  Moderator,  read  the  rules  of  the  conference.  C.  H. 
Brunk,  Secretary. 

L.  J.  Heatwole  stated  that  Bishop  Lewis  Shank  is  being  detained  on 
account  of  a  burial  service  and  will  not  be  here  until  the  afternoon  session. 

Afternoon  Session 

The  afternoon  session  opened  at  1:15  p.  m.  by  the  use  of  hymn  Xo.  276  and 
prayer,  after  which  the  moderator  declared  conference  readj^  for  business  and 
asked  the  bishops  to  present  any  matter  of  their  own  they  might  have  in  readi- 
ness, and  nothing  being  presented,  the  moderator  read: 

Question  I — To  the  Virginia  Conference:  Have  we  a  right  to  reject  or 
defer  applicants  for  baptism  or  membership  when  they  manifest  fruits  meet  for 
repentance,  if  their  past  life  has  been  a  bad  record? 

Answer,  The  judgment  and  discretion  of  the  bishop  or  minister  in  charge 
should  be  used  in  all  such  cases. 

Question  II — Shall  the  minister  in  charge  of  the  work  in  West  Virginia  be 
authorized  by  this  conference  to  hold  counsel  meetings,  communion  meetings, 
to  perform  the  rite  of  baptism  and  the  marriage  of  parties  who  are  both  mem- 
bers of  the  church,  and  issue  certificates  of  standing  to  members  of  that  State 
when  applied  for;  it  being  understood  that  in  all  cases  he  make  report  to  the 
bishop? 

Resolved,  That  the  minister  in  charge  has  the  right  and  power  to  perform 
the  duties  recited  in  the  question. 

Question  III — To  what  extent  (if  any)  is  it  consistent  for  a  minister  of 
the  Gospel  or  a  lay  member  to  use  intoxicating  liquors,  in  the  light  of  I  Thes. 
5:22,  "Abstain  from  all  appearance  of  evil.'' 

Answer,  To  no  extent  except  in  cases  where  the  use  of  spirits  are  pre- 
scribed or  advised  by  a  physician. 

Question  IV — Whereas  the  members  of  the  Mennonite  Church  in  Fauquier 
county,  Virginia,  have  no  house  of  worship,  and  the  privilege  of  worship  for  any 
religious  gatherings  is  to  be  withdrawn  in  the  District  School  House,  and  be- 
lieving a  house  of  our  own  for  worship  to  be  a  necessity  for  the  advancement 
of  the  work,  what  encouragement  or  counsel  can  this  conference  give  toward 
a   new   building? 

Resolved,  That  the  Moderator  appoint  a  committee  of  three  to  look  into 
the  prospect  of  establishing  a  permanent  church  organization  in  Farquier 
county,  and  the  probable  cost  and  advisability  of  building  a  new  church  house 
there,  and  to  report  the  result  of  their  investigations  to  our  next  conference. 

Later. — The  moderator  announced  A.  P.  Heatwole,  Jos.  W.  Geil  and  S.  M. 
Burkholder  as  the  above  coHHwittee.- 


78  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

On  motion  conference  adjourned  with  singing  and  prayer,  to  meet  to- 
morrow morning  at  lialf-past  8  o'clock. 

Saturday  Morning 

Conference  opened  witli  devotional  exercises,  viz.  by  singing  hymn  No. 
184,  the  reading  of  the  13th  chapter  of  Romans  by  Bishop  Lewis  Shank,  and 
silent  prayer. 

Question    V — Can    this    conference    suggest    some    plan    for    conducting    the 
ordinance  of  feet-washing  in  a  more  orderly  manner  in  our  congregations? 

Rcsolfcd.  That  the  deacons  and  deaconesses  in  charge  see  that  this  ordi- 
nance 1)e  obser\ed  in  as  orderly  way  as  possible. 

Question  VI — Are  we  guilty  of  conforming  to  the  world  by  having  fashion- 
able vehicles,  wearing  flashy  neckties  and  high  collars,  fashionable  watch 
chains  and  charms,  sisters  wearing  gay  colors  in  dresses,  etc.,   (Rom.  12:2.)? 

Resolved.  That  we  are  guilty,  and  that  we  will,  by  the  help  of  God,  try  to 
live  more  consistent  with  our  profession  and  labor  for  the  purity  and  plainness 
of  the  church  in  accordance  with  the  resolutions  passed  in  the  conference  of 
September  1877,  and  the  following — Rom.  12:2,  I  Cor.  7:31. 

Christian  Good,  Moderator,  C.  H.  Brunk,  Secr.etary  and  Erasmus  Shank, 
Jos.  F.  Heatwole  and  Joseph  Geil,  Arranging  Committeeman  for  two  j^ears. 

On  motion  conference  adjourned  with  prayer  and  hymn  Noi  52. 

Members  present  at  this  conference:  ' 

Bishops: — Anthony  P.  Heatwale,  Lewis  J.  Heatwole,  Lewis  Shank. — 3. 

Ministers: — Erasmus  Shank,  Jacob  Martin,  Joseph  Hashbarger,  Abi-am  B. 
Burkholder,  Christian  Good,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  J.  Snively  Martin,  Sem  S. 
Weaver,  Jacob  A.  Heatwole,  Samuel  H.  Rhodes.  Peter'  S.  Heatwole,  Joseph 
Geil.  George  Showalter,  Perry  Shank,  Christian  Brunk,  Martin  Brunk. — 16. 

Deacons: — -Elias  Brunk,  Henry  Blosser,  Samuel  M.  Burkholder,  Jacob 
Showalter,  Timothy  Wenger,  Samuel  Weaver.  Christian  Shank,  Jacob  Geil. — 
8. 

Total  nunil)er  of  Bishops.  Ministers  and  Deacons  27. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  OCTOBER  3rd  AND  4th,  1902 

The  Semi-Annual  Conference  of  Virginia  met  at  the  Trissel  Church,  Lower 
District,  on  Friday,  October  3rd  and  4th,  1902,  and  was  opened  at  nine  o'clock 
a.  m.  by  use  of  hymns  Nos.  76  and  74  of  Sacred  Hymnal,  the  reading  of  the  4th 
chapter  of  II  Corinthians  by  Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  and  prayer. 

Christian  Good,  the  moderator,  read  the  rules  of  conference.  C.  H.  Brunk, 
Secretary. 

Friday  Afternoon 

Afternoon  session  began  by  singing  hymn  No.  78  and  prayer.  The 
moderator  declared  conference  ready  for  business,  and  asked  the  bishops 
to  present  anything  they  had  in  readiness. 

Bishop  Shank  asked:  Does  an  open  transgression  require  an  open  con- 
fession before  the  church  and  tiie  world — if  so  where  is  the  Scripture  requiring 
it? 

In  answer,  many  phases  of  this  subject  were  mentioned  and  discussed  and 
much  light  shed  upon  the  same,  and  the  conclusion  arrived  at  is,  that  the 
church  having  such  cases  in  hand  must  decide  what  is  best  for  the  purity  of  the 
church  and  all  concerned  and  act  accordingly,  in  the  light  of  the  following 
Scriptures:   Gal.  6:1,  I  Tim.  5:20,  21  and  I  Thes.  5:14. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENXE    MINUTES  79 

Question  I — Can  this  conference  fix  a  definite  length  of  time  for  a  minister 
to  remain  in  his  West  Virginia  appointment? 

Resolved,  That  the  time  be  limited  to  twelve  months,  beginning  January 
1st  of  each  year  and  that  the  work  of  supplying  the  field  or  filling  vacancies  be 
made  the  duty  of  the  Bishops  of  our  conference. 

By  request,  all  joined  heartily  in  singing  the  hymn,  Coronation,  "All  hail 
the  power  of  Jesus'  name,"  etc. 

Question  II — Can  we  consistently  hold  those  as  members  who  get  a 
divorce  and  marry  another? 

Ansiver,  We  cannot  hold  such  a  one  as  a  member.  See  \Iark  10:11,  12, 
Matt.  5:32. 

Conference  session  opened  Saturday  morning  with  devotional  exercises, 
viz^  by  singing  hymn  No.  145,  the  reading  of  the  5th  chapter  of  I  Peter,  and 
prayer.  The  moderator  announced  conference  ready  for  business. 

We,  the  committee  appointed  by  the  last  conference  to  consider  the  ad- 
vfsabality  of  building  a  house  of  worship  in  Fauquier  county,  beg  leave  to  sub- 
mit the  following  report:  We  visited  there  and  looked  over  the  field  and  con- 
sulted with  the  members  there,  and  decided  that  it  would  be  best  to  defer  the 
matter  at  present,  and  wait  further  developments. 

A.  P.  Heatwole. 
Jos.    W.    Geil. 
S.  M.  Burkholder. 

Question  III — If  a  divorced  member  who  marries  again  is  put  away  from 
the  church,  can  he  or  she  be  received  into  the  church? 
On   motion,   the  question  was  tabled. 

Question  IV — Should  not  unfermented  wine  be  used  at  the  time  of  sacra- 
ment instead  of  fermented   wine? 

On  motion,   the  question  was  tabled. 
'  All  joined  in  singing:  hymn   No.   12. 

■   Brother  Henry  Blosser  asked  for  some  thoughts  on  James  5:19.  20. 
A  talk  dii  the  subject  of  close  communion,  etc.,  followed,  on  which,  by  re- 
quest, E.  J.  Berkey  took  a  prominent  p,art. 

Shall  we  keep  the  same  rotation  of  holding  conferences  as  heretofore 
with  respect  to  the  districts? 

Answer,  Yes.         '  ' 

A.  P.  Heatwole  stated  that  in  turn  the  next  conference  will  be  held  at 
the  Springdale  church  (Upper  District),  on  the  second  Friday  in  May.  being 
the  eighth  day  of  the  month.  '     . 

Public  preaching  was  announced  for  two  o'clock. 

On  motion  conference  adjoiirned  wifli  prayer  and  the  use  of  hymn  No.  15. 
■'    -    'Alembers  present  at  this  conference:  ' 

Bishops': — Anthony    P.    Heatwole,    Le^vis    J.    Heatwole,    Lewis    Shank.— 3. 

Ministers; — ^Joseph  Geil,  Christian  Brunk,  Perry  Shank,  George  Showalter, 
Edward  J.  Berkey,  Abram  ?.  Burkholder,  Christian  Good,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole. 
Samuel  Rhodes,  Jacob  A.  Heatwole,  Sem  "S.  Weaver,  Erasmus  Shank,  Jacob 
Martin,  J.  SnivelyMlartin. — 14. 

Deacons: — Elias    Brunk,    Christian    Shank.    Jacob    Geil,     Henry      Blosser. 

Samuel  M.  Burkholder,  Timothy  Wenger,  Isaac  Grove,  Samuel  Weaver. 8. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  ^Ministers  and  Deacons  25. 


8C  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  MAY  8th  AND  9th,  1903 

The  Senii-Annual  Conference  of  Virginia  met  at  tlie  Springdale  Church 
(Upper  District),  on  Friday,  May  8th,  1903  and  opened  at  nine  o'clock  a.  m. 
with  devotional  exercises  as  follows:  By  the  use  of  hymns  Nos.  45  and  433  in 
Hymns  and  Tunes,  the  reading  of  the  second  chapter  of  I  John  by  Bishop  Lewis 
Shank,  and  secret  prayer. 

Christian  Good,  the  moderator,  read  the  rules  of  conference.  C.  li.  Brunk, 
Secretary. 

Afternoon  Session 

The  afternoon  session  opened  by  singing  hymn  No.  233  followed  bj-  secret 
prayer.  The  moderator  declared  conference  ready  for  business. 

Brother  H.  H.  Good,  from  Tennessee,  being  present,  was  tendered  a  greet- 
ing of  welcome  by  Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole.  and  invited  to'  take  part  in  the  de- 
liberations of  conference. 

The  bishops  having  nothing  for  immediate  consideration,  the  moderator 
presented  a  request  sent  to  this  conference  by  the  church  in  Warwick  county, 
Va.,  asking  that  someone  be  sent  to  preach  for  them  and  ofificiate  in  the  ob- 
servance of  the  sacrament. 

Resolved.  That  the  bishops  of  this  conference  send  someone,  either  of 
their  own  menil)cr  or  some  other  suitable  minister  as  requested. 

Question  I — The  prayerhead  covering  being  a  sacred  order,  why  then  at 
the  supreme  moment  of  her  initiation  into  the  church  by  baptism  should  the 
covering  be  removed  from  the  sister's  head  by  the  deaconess? 

Anstver,  We  think  it  is  proper  that  the  covering  should  be  removed  so  that 
the  element  can  be  applied  directly  to  the  head  of  the  applicant,  and  that  the 
applicant  wear  the  covering  before  in  order  to  denote  entire  obedience  in  the 
beginning  of  a  life  for  Christ. 

The  question  of  giving  certificates  of  good  standing  to  members  removing 
to  another  congregation  of  our  church,  and  also  the  giving  of  certificates  to 
members  desiring  to  unite  with  some  other  church,  was  discussed  at  some 
length,  also  two  former  resolutions  of  our  conference  were  referred  to  and 
considered  in  connection,  viz:  Resolutions  passed  April,  1863,  and  October, 
1882. 

Decided  that  the  bishop  or  minister  in  charge  have  the  right  to'  exercise 
his  judgment  and  discretion  agreeable  to  circumstances  with  respect  to  the 
question,  and  also  with  respect  to  the  reciuirements  of  the  former  resolutions 
recited. 

On  motion,  conference  voted  to  adjcHjrn,  which  followed  devotional  ex- 
ercises and  the  singing  of  hymn  No.  257. 

Saturday  Morning 

Saturday  morning  session  opened  promptly  at  8:30  o'clock  by  singing 
hymns  Nos.  42  and  163.  the  reading  of  the  fourth  chapter  of  Ephesians  by 
Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  and  prayer.  The  moderator  declared  conference  ready 
for  business,  and  asked  the  bishops  if  they  had  anything  to  present.  Nothing 
being  presented,  question  three  was  read  as  follows: 

Is  it  in  accordance  with  the  Gospel  for  a  minister  to  roach  his  hair  and  at 
the  same  timie  preach  plainness? 

After  some  discussion  it  is  resolved,  that  we  reaffirm  a  former  resolu- 
tion touching  this  question,  viz:  a  resolution  passed  at  a  conference  held 
September,  1877. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  81 

Self-denial  was  now  suggested  as  a  subject  for  discussion.  ■  During  the 
discussion  the  following  scriptures  were  referred  to:  Mark  8:34,  Matt.  5:42, 
Luke  6:34,  Rom.  12:10,  Hebrews  10:34,  etc. 

The  moderator  stated  that  the  time  was  not  fully  occupied  yet  and  that 
the  subject  of  obedience  was  suggested  as  a  topic  for  consideration — see  Rom. 
5:19;  I  Samuel  15:22,  etc. 

On  motion  conference  adjourned  with  silent  prayer  and  the  use  of  hymn 
No.  444. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Anthony  P.   Heatwole,   Lewis   J.   Heatwole,   Lewis   Shank. — 3. 

Ministers: — Jacob  Martin,  Erasmus  Shank,  Jacob  R.^  Hildebrand,  Joseph 
Hashbarger,  Christian  Good,  Abram  B.  Burkholder,  J.  Snively  Martin,  Jos.  F. 
Heatwole,  Jacob  A.  Heatwole,  Samuel  Rhodes,  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Joseph  Geil, 
Perry  Shank,  George  Showalter,  Christian  Brunk,  Martin  Brunk,  Henry  H. 
Good,  of  Tennessee. — 17. 

Deacons: — Timothy  Wenger,  Isaac  Grove,  Samuel  M.  Burkholder,  Samuel 
Weaver,    Elias    Brunk,    Henry    Blosser,    Christian    Ebersole. — 7. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,   Ministers  and  Deacons,  27. 

\¥ 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  OCTOBER  2nd  AND  3rd,  1903 

The  Semi-Annual  Conference  of  Virginia  met  at  the  Bank  Church  (Aliddle 
District),  Friday,  October  2nd,  1903.     Opened  at  nine  o'clock  a.  m. 

Hymns  Nos.  377  and  356  in  New  Hymnal  were  sung,  followed  by  reading 
the  fourth  chapter  of  Ephesians  by  Bishop  Lewis  Shank  and  silent  prayer. 

Christian   Good,   Moderator.     C.  H.   Brunk,  Secretary. 

Afternoon  Session 

Afternoon  session  opened  with  the  use  of  hymn  No.  129,  and  prayer,  after 
which  the  moderator  declared  conference  ready  for  business  and  asked  the 
bishops  to  present  any  matter  ^..they  might  have  at  that  time.  Nothing  being 
presented  the  moderator  read: 

Question  I — That  the  time  of  the  busiite'ss  part  of  conference  may  be  used 
to  the  best  advantage,  would  it  not  be  well  for  the  committee  on  questions  to 
serve  during  the  session  of  conference  as  a  committee  to  frame  resolutions 
in  answer  to  such  questions  as  are  ready  to  be  acted  upon  by  the  conference? 

A  motion  to  sustain  the  above  question  was  lost,  and  in  lieu  thereof  the 
following  motion  was  offered  and  approved,  viz: 

Moved  that  we  have  a  committee  on  resolutions  consisting  of  two  members 
of  conference  to  be  appointed  by  the  bishops  at  the  beginning  of  the  business 
session  of  conference,  to  serve  for  that  conference. 

The  bishops  announced  the  committee  for  the  present  conference — S.  M. 
Burkholder  and  Eli  Brunk. 

Question  II — Paul's  definition  of  charity  is  that  it  suffereth  long  and  is 
kind,  thinketh  no  evil,  believeth  all  things,  hopeth  all  things  and  endureth  all 
things;  that  it  never  faileth.  How  are  we  to  apply  this  Scripture  to  one  who 
is  a  transgressor  of  the  Gospel  and  the  rules  of  the  church? 

The  resolutions  not  being  fully  prepared,  hymn  No.  S3  was  selected  and 
sung. 

Answer  to  question  two.  It  is  necessary  to  deal  with  the  transgressor 
according  to  the  Word  of  God,  however  much  we  love  them  or  however  hard 


82  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

it  may  be  for  us.  Yet  we  should  not  esteem  such  a  one  as  an  enemy,  but  ad- 
monish him  as  a  brother. 

Question  III — Would  not  this  conference  recommend  some  plan  or 
arrangement  to  help  sustain  loss  in  case  of  fire  instead  of  taking  policies  in 
Organized  Fire  Insurance  Companies? 

After   some  discussion  the   answer   is  deferred  until   tomorrow. 

A  motion  to  adjourn  was  sustained  and  followed  prayer,  the  singing  of 
hymn  No.  409  and  an  announcement  for  public  preaching  this  evening  and  to- 
morrow afternoon. 

Saturday  Morning  Session 

Saturday  morning  session  opened  at  8:30  o'clock  by  the  use  of  hymn  No. 
141,  "There  is  a  land  of  pure  delight,  etc.,"  the  reading  of  the  12th  chapter  of 
Romans  by  bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  and  prayer. 

The  bishops  having  nothing  for  consideration  at  present,  the  moderator 
said  that  question  three  will  again  be  resumed. 

The  subject  of  fire  insurance  having  now  been  fully  discussed  and  maturely 
considered,  it  is  shown  that  the  sentiment  of  conference  is  largely  in  favor 
of  our  members  withdrawing  from  organized  Fire  Insurance  Companies,  and 
that  the  Coun'cil  of  each  District  appoint  brethren  to  solicit  funds  for  our  mem- 
bers, when  they  have  a  loss  by  fire  and  whose  property  is  not  insured.  See  Gal. 
6:2  and  I  Corinthians  10:24. 

Question  IV — What  is  the  feeling  of  this  conference  in  regard  to  holding- 
Bible  conferences? 

After  a  lengthy  discussion  of  the  question,  on  motion  the  same  was  tabled. 

Question  V — Would  it  not  be  desirable  to  change  the  time  of  the  fall  con- 
ference to  the  second  Friday  of  October  instead  of  the  first  Friday?  Decided 
to  hold  the  fall  conference  on  the  second  Friday  in  October  in  each  year  in- 
stead of  the  first  Friday. 

On  motion  conference  adjourned  with  silent  prayer  and  the  singing  of 
hymn   No.   119. 

Members  of  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Anthony  P.  Heatwole,  Lewis  J.  Heatwole,  Lewis  Shank.— 3. 

Ministers: — Abram  B.  Burkholder,  Christian  Good,  Peter  S.  Heatwole, 
Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  Jacob  A.  Heatwole,  Samuel  H.  Rhodes,  Sem.  S.  Weaver, 
Edward  J.  Berkey,  Joseph  Geil,  George  Showalter,  Perry  Shank,  Christian 
Bruuk,   Erasmus  Shank,  Jacob   Martin,  J.   Snively  jNlartin,  Joseph   Hashbarger. 

—  16.  :  ,| 

Deacons: — Samuel  M.  Burkholder,  Elias  Brunk,  Henry  Blosser,  J.acob 
Showalter,  Timothy  Wengcr,  Isaac.  Grove,  Christian  Shank,  Samuel  Weaver. 
—8.  '  ^  , 

Total   number  of   Bishops,   Ministers   and   Deacons   27..     ,  ;■ 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  MAY  13th  AND  14th,  1904 

The  Semi-Annual  Conference  of  Virginia  met  at  the  Brannemans  Church 
(Lower  District),  on  Friday,  May  13th,  1904  and  opened  at  nine  o'clock  a.  m. 
by  the  use  of  hymns  Nos.  377  and  123  in  Church  and  Sunday-School  Hymnal. 
The  reading  of  the  second  chapter  of  Philippians  by  Bishop  A.  P.  HeatAvole 
and  secret  prayer. 

Christian  Good,  the  moderator,  read  the  rules  of  conference.  C.  H.  Brunk, 
Secretary. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  83 

Afternoon  Session 

The  afternoon  session  opened  at  1:15  o'clock  with  tl  t  use  of  hymn  No.  202 
and  secret  prayer. 

The  bishops  appointed  A.  B.  Burkholder  and  S.  M.  Burkholder  as  a  com- 
mittee on  resolutions  for  this  conference. 

The  moderator  announced  conference  ready  for  business  and  gave  the 
the  bishops  opportunity  to  present  such  matters  as  they  have  in  readiness  for 
conference. 

Bishop  Lewis  Shank  desired  the  feeling  of  the  members  of  conference 
Avith  regard  to  the  blessing  asked  for  before  the  distribution  of  bread  and  wine 
at  the  sacrament,  shall  one  bishop  only  act  in  that  capacity  or  may  another 
bishop  or  minister  assist  in  that  part  of  the  ceremony? 

Resolved, Tha.t  it  is  the  sense  of  this  conference  that  when  there  are  two 
to  take  part  in  the  administration  of  the  communion  that  each  of  them  may 
take  part  in  asking  for  the  blessing  upon  the  emblems  of  bread  and  wine. 

Question  I — The  church  in  Warwick  County  having  by  a  letter  from 
Preacher  Daniel  Shank  of  that  place,  addressed  to  Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole.  made 
application  to  unite  with  this  conference? 

Resolved,  That  we  heartily  accept  the  proposition  of  the  Warwick  church 
to  unite  with  this  conference. 

Question  II — Is  it  consistent  with  the  doctrine  of  Christ  and  in  harmony 
with  the  non-resistant  faith  for  a  member  of  our  faith  to  receive  a  Govern- 
ment pension? 

Resolved,  That  this  question  be  laid  over  to  be  considered  at  our  next 
conference. 

Question  III — When  questions  that  afifect  the  whole  church  are  presented 
w^ould  it  not  be  better  to  defer  them  for  deliberation  to  another  conference 
rather  than  to  decide  them  hastily?    Decided  that  the  question  be  dismissed. 

Bishop  Lewis  Shank  asked  permission  to  ordain  two  deacons  in  his  dis- 
trict. 

Permission  granted  unanimously. 

Is  it  proper  to  say  that  a  person  is  self-expelled  who  is  guilty  of  gross 
sins  or  should  they  be  published  openly? 

On  motion,  this  question  is  laid  over  for  consideration  tomorrow. 

Moved  that  conference  do  now  adjourn  to  8:30  o'clock  tomorrow,  subject 
to  suitable  preparation  for  adjournment  by  the  bishops,  which  w^as  by  prayer, 
the  use  of  hymn  No.  121  and  the  benediction. 

Saturday  Morning  Session 

Conference  met  Saturday  morning,  May  14,  1904,  at  8:30  o'clock  and  en- 
gaged in  singing  hymn  No.  277,  "Begin  the  day  with  God,  kneel  down  to  him 
in  prayer,  etc."  Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  read  Philippians  3,  which  was  followed 
by  secret  prayer. 

The  moderator  declared  conference  ready  for  business  and  asked  the  bis- 
hops to  present  such  matter  as  they  have  in  readiness. 

Nothing  being  ofifered  the  unfinished  question  of  yesterday  was  again  taken 
up,  and  the  following  resolution  passed: 

Resolved,  That  this  ccoiference  advise  that  when  it  becomes  fully  known 
that   members   have   forfeited  their   membership   by   transgression   and  are   not 


}^'4  VIRGINIA    COXFEREXCE    MINUTES 

willing  to  give  satisfaction,  that  such   facts  should  he  stated  to  the  church,  or 
publicly  if  thought  best.    See  I  Cor.  5:13;  Eph.  5:11. 

Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  asked  that  a  ciuestion  of  a  former  conference  re- 
lating to  dinners  being  prepared  and  brought  to  the  church  to  feed  those  in 
attendance  upon  conference  be  again  referred  to.  Many  opinions  were  ex- 
changed and  the  consensus  of  opinion  is  that  it  should  be  only  of  a  simple  and 
substantial  kind  and  not  to  indulge  too  much  in  dainties. 

Question  IV — Whereas  it  is  the  custom  of  the  Church  and  in  accordance 
with  the  Gospel  that  we  provide  for  the  poor,  and  whereas  we  believe  that 
such  charity  is  sometimes  misplaced  or  abused  by  careless  members,  will  this 
conference  give  an  expression  as  to  what  the  Scripture  require  of  us  as  our 
duty  on  behalf  of  the  poor? 

Resolved,  That  this  conference  advise  that  none  be  refused  unless  it  is 
clearly  manifest  that  .they  are  unworthy.  "Charity  sufYereth  long  and  is  kind." 
I    Corinthians   13:4. 

Bishop  Lewis  Shank  asked  permission  to  ordain  one  or  two  ministers  in 
his  district,  subject  to  the  counsel  and  wishes  of  his  district. 

By  vote  privilege  is  unanimously  granted. 

Minutes   of   conference   were   read   and   approved. 

The  moderator  announced  that  the  election  of  conference  officers  for  two 
succeeding  years  is  now  in  order,  and  votes  being  taken  for  moderator  and 
secretary  resulted  in  the  choice  of  C.  Good  and  A.  B.  Burkholder  for  moderator 
(each  of  the  two  having  had  the  same  number  of  votes,  on  motion  both  are 
declared  elected  to  serve  between  them)  and  C.  H.  Brunk  for  secretary;  and 
votes  being  taken  for  an  arranging  comanittee,  consisting  of  three  members  of 
conference,  one  from  each  district,  resulted  in  the  choice  of  Erasmus  Shank, 
Upper  District:  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  IMiddle  District  and  Jos.  W.  Geil,  Lower 
District. 

Hymn  Xo.   Ill  was  sung — "Take  time  to  be  holy,  etc." 

Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  stated  that  the  next  conference  according  to  turn 
will  be  held  in  the  Upper  District  on  the  second  Friday  in  October,  at  the 
Springdale  Church. 

On  motion,  conference  adjourned  pursuant  to  suitable  closing  services 
conducted  ]>y  the  bishops  which  was  praj'er,  singing  the  do.xology  and  the 
benediction. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

*Bishops: — Anthony  P.  Heatwole,  Lewis  J.  Heatwole,  Lewis  Shank. — 3. 

Ministers: — Joseph  Geil,  Perry  Shank.  George  Showalter,  Christian  Brunk, 
Abram  B.  Burklioldor,  Christian  Good,  Samuel  H.  Rodes,  Sem  S.  Weaver,  J. 
Snively  Martin,  Jacob  A.  Heatwole,  Jos.  F.  .  Heatwole,  Erasmus  Shank, 
Jacol)   Martin.— 13. 

Deacons: — Jacob  Geil,  Christian  Shank,  Elias  Brunk,  Henry  Biosser, 
Jacob  Showalter,  Samuel  M.  Burkholder,  Isaac  Grove,  Timothy  \\'enger, 
Samuel  Weaver. — 9. 

Total    number   of    iSishops,    Ministers    and    Deacons    25. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES   OCTOBER   14th  AND   15th,   1904 

The    Semi-.\nnual    Conference   of   Virginia    met   at   the    Springdale   Church 

*I!isliop    Geo.    Keener    of    Washington    Co.,    Md.,    sent    a    message    of   love    and    greeting   to    this 
conference. 


VIRGIXIA    COXFEREXXE    MINUTES  85' 

(Upper  District),  on  Friday,  October  14th,  1904,  and  opened  at  nine  o'clock 
a.  m.  bj'  the  use  of  hymn  No.  12  in  Sacred  Hymnal:  "O  for  a  Heart  to  Praise 
My  God,"  etc.  Scriptural  lesson,  viz:  fourth  chapter  of  Ephesians  was  read 
by  Bishop  Lewis  Shank,  which  was  followed  by  secret  prayer. 

A.  B.  Burkholder,  one  of  the  moderators,  being  present,  read  and  ex- 
plained rules  of  conference. 

C.  H.  Brunk,  Secretary. 

We  feel  that  we  are  gathering  the  fruits  of  the  spirit  this  morning. 

Is  it  not  a  fact  that  some  of  our  best  educated  men  ignore  or  misconstrue 
some  of  the  plainest  teachings  of  the  Bible? 

A  bereaved  brother  asks  for  the  prayers  of  the  church  in  his  behalf. 

The  essential  qualifications  for  a  preacher  is  to  be  spirit-filled. 

]■  was  impressed  with  the  Savior's  language  during  cur  trip  to  West 
Virginia  that  "The  harvest  truly  is  great,  but  the  laborers  are  few." 

Dire  results  follow  neglected  opportunities;  we,  as  deacons,  have  most 
trouble  with  those  who  are  most  neglected. 

How  many  are  living  in  luxury  and  ease  that  could  lend  spiritual  help  to 
his  fallen  brother? 

The  moderator  announced  that  the  time  has  arrived  for  a  noon  intermis- 
sion, which  will  be  one  and  one-fourth  hours.  After  a  suitable  closing  by  the 
Bishops,  which  was  by  prayer  and  the  use  of  hymn  No.  92,  "Oh,  For  a  Closei 
Walk  With  God,"  etc. 

Afternoon  Session 

Opened  by  singing  the  words  "Holy  Spirit,  Heavenly  Guide,"  etc.,  and 
prayer. 

Moderator  now  declared  conference  ready  for  business. 

Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole'  read  a  card  from  the  Warwick  Congregation,  which 
in  substance  asked  conference  to  grant  them  the  privilege  of  ordaining  a 
deacon  in  that  congregation,  and  by  vote,  after  some  remarks  by  Bishops  and 
others,  the  privilege  is  granted. 

Question  I — Is  it  consistent  for  our  members  to  go  to  other  churches  on 
wedding  occasions  and  take  part  in  making  displays  that  are  not  allowed  in  our 
own   church? 

Resolved.     It  is  not  consistent. — Matt.  5:16;  I  John  2:16,  17;  Romans  12:2. 

Question  II — As  it  is  becoming  a  common  practice  with  men  and  boys 
at  sime  of  our  places  of  worship  to  spend  much  of  their  time  just  outside  of 
the  church  doors,  smoking — both  during  the  time  of  worship  and  immediately 
afterward: — What  does  the  conference  recommend  as  being  the  proper  way 
to  bring  about  a  discontinuance  of  the  habit? 

Resolved,  That  parents  instruct  their  children  at  home,  and  instead  of 
sending  them  to  service,  take  them  and  keep  them  with  them  as  much  as 
possible;  also,  that  all  the  members  do  what  they  can  to  avoid  the  trouble. 

Question  III — What  plan  would  the  conference  advise  as  being  the  best 
at  this  time  for  bringing  about  a  more  perfect  organization  among  the  con- 
gregations in  West  Virginia? 

Resolz'ed,  That  our  present  method  of  sending  workers  to  the  West  Vir- 
ginia field  be  continued,  with  authority  given  to  the  Bishops  to  increase  the 
helpers  as  may  be  deemed  rtee^ssaryi 

On  motion,  conference  adiourned  till   tomorrow  morning  at  8:30  o'clock 


86  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

subject   to  a   suitable  closing  by   the   Bishops,   which   was  by  prayer   and   the 
singing  of  the  tune,  "More  Love  to  Thee."  etc. 

Saturday  Morning  Session 

Conference  opened  on  Saturday  morning  at  8:30  by  singing  hymn  No. 
104,  "I  Love  Thy  Kingdom  Lord,"  etc.,  and  reading  of  the  second  chapter  of 
Ephesians,  by  Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  and  secret  prayer. 

The  question  continued  from  last  conference  was  now  taken  up  for  con- 
sideration, viz:  "Is  it  consistent  with  the  doctrine  of  Christ  and  in  harmony 
with  the  non-resistant  faith  for  a  member  of  our  faith  to  receive  a  Govern- 
ment Pension? 

Resolved,  That  the  church  keep  her  own  poor  and  that  we  consider  it 
inconsistent  for  our  members  to  make  application  for  a  pension.  Yet,  if  mem- 
bers are  receiving  a  pension,  we  do  not  feel  to  take  upon  ourselves  the  re- 
sponsibility of  saying  they  shall  no  longer  receive  a  pension. 

Question  IV— Is  there  any  scriptural  authority  for  exposing  the  dead  to 
view  in  the  church  in  time  of  funerals,  and  if  so,  would  it  not  be  best  to. con-, 
fine  the  privilege  to  the  family  of  the  deceased  and  the  near  relatives  r 

Resolvcd,  That  we  consider  the  Scriptures  silent  on  this  question,  b;it  we 
would  advise  that  those  in  charge  act  as  they  see  best  in  the  matter. 

Question  V— What  is  the  mind  of  the  conference  on  the  question  of  re- 
newing  more   active   gospel   work   in    the   Winchester    District? 

Resolved,  That  this  conference  make  an  active  efifort  to  revive  the  church 
at  Winchester  by  sending  some  one  at  least  once  a  month  and,  if  necessary, 
send  some  one  to  make  a  special  effort. 

Question  VI— As  Brother  P.  S.  Hartman,  of  this  conference  district,  has 
served  faithfully  and  well  as  a  representative  of  the  Mennonite  Evangelizing 
and  Benevolent  Board,  would  it  not  be  well  for  this  conference  to  ratify  the 
appointment? 

Resolved,     That  this   conference   ratify  the   appointment. 

Question  VII — Should  not  our  members  be  admonished  betimes  to  be  in 
the  order  of  the  church,  in  conformity,  especially  the  Sunday  School  officers? 

Resolved,  That  for  Teachers  and  Superintendents  to  teach  the  doctrine 
of  non-conformity  to  the  world,  they  should  be  able  to  show  by  their  example 
that  they  believe  what  they  teach,  and  recommend  that  they  be  admonished. 
Romans  2:21,  22  and  23  and  Matt.  23:3. 

Question  VIII— Does  this  conference  advise  its.  members  to  give  public 
or  private  invitations  to  persons  who  are  not  members  of  our  church  to  attend 
conference? 

Resolved.     That  the  question  be  tabled. 

Question  IX— Is  the  tree  of  life  mentioned  in  Gen.  3:22  the  same  as  that 
referred  to  in  Rev.  22:2 'and  14? 

Resolved,     That  the  question  be  laid  aside. 

Question  X— Having  an  Old  People's  Home  as  a  Church  institution; 
Would  not  this  conference  deem  it  advisable  to  help  sustain  the  same  and  then 
send  our  old  people  there? 

Resolved,  That  we  encourage  the  work  by  onr  voluntary  support,  and 
when  old  folks  are  willing,  or  desirous  to  go,  that  they  be  sent. 

The  financial  report  on  printing  was  read  and  approved. 

Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  stated  that  the  next  conference  will  be  held  at 
Weavers  Church  on  May  12th,  1905. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  87 

Conference  minutes  were  read  and  approved. 

On  motion,  conference  adjourned  after  prayer  and  singing  hymn  105. 

MJembers  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — .\nthony  P.  Heatwole,  Lewis  J.  Heatwole,  Lewis  Shank. — 3. 

Ministers: — Erasmus  Shank,  Jacob  Martin,  Martin  Brunk,  Jacob  R.  Hilde- 
brand.  Christian  Good,  Abram  B.  Burkholder,  Jos.  F. Heatwole.  Samuel  H. 
Rhodes,  Jacob  A.  Heatwole,  J.  Snively  Martin,  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Joseph  Geil, 
George  Showalter,  Perry  Shank,  Henry  H.  Good. — IS. 

Deacons: — Timothy  Wenger,  Isaac  Grove,  Elias  Brunk,  Henry  Blosser, 
Samuel  M.  Burkholder. — 5. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  23. 


*Deacon    Samuel   Weaver   died   a   few   months   after   this   conference    convened,    March   8,    190S. 
Deacon   Peter   Blosser   died   on   Nov.   23,    1904,    following   this   conference. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  MAY  12th  AND  13th,  1905 

The  Semi-Annual  Conference  of  Virginia  met  at  the  Weaver  Church  (Middle 
District),  Friday,  May  12th,  1905  and  opened  promptly  at  9  o'clock  a.  m.  by  the 
use  of  hymn  No.  377  in  Church  and  S.  S.  Hymnal,  "And  We  Are  Yet  Alive," 
etc..  the  reading  of  the  12th  chapter  of  Romans  by  Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole,  and 
secret  prayer.  Conference  again  engaged  in  singing  hymn  No.  123,  "Choose 
my  Path,  O  Blessed  Savior,"  etc. 

A.  B.  Burkholder,  one  of  the  moderators,  read  the  rules  of  conference. 
C.  H.  Brunk,  Secretar-y. 

L.  J.  Heatwole,  the  resident  Bishop,  extended  a  greeting  of  welcome  to 
visiting  brethren  and  sisters,  and  invited  them  to  a  place  in  conference. 

Brother  Daniel  Shenk  gave  a  report  of  the  standing  of  the  Warwick  Con- 
gregation, viz.,  that  peace  and  harmony  exists. 

Aside  from  the  bishops,  28  ministers  and  deacons  responded  with  words  of 
exhortation,  etc.,  as  called  upon  by  Deacon  Jacob  Showalter,  six  of  whom  are 
members  of  other  conferences,  and  the  following  thoughts  were  gleaned  from 
their  .remarks: 

We  are  the  apostles'  successors  who  were  commanded  to  go  into  all  the 
world  and  preach  the  gospel. 

The  word  of  God  should  be  to  us  like  a  letter  from  a  friend  or  companion 
we  love. 

During  my  thirty  years  absence  I  see-'ithat  some  of  the  stalwart  soldiers  of 
the  cross  have  passed  away  and  their  labors  placed  on  other  shoulders.  What 
will  the  harvest  of  our  sowing  and  reaping  be? 

Conferences  should  not  alone  provide  for  themselves,  but  providq-means 
bywiiifh   to   wield  an  influence  upon   others. 

We  have  had  a  fairly  good  year  in  Ohio  for  the  cause  of  Christ. 

r\ly  mind  is  absorbed  with  the  things  that  pertain  to  our  beloved  Church. 

The  old,  old  story  is  as  sweet  this  morning  as  it  ever  was. 

After  the  toils  of  life  these  conference  seasons  come  as  a  refreshing 
show&r. 

I  trust  we  will  at  least  make  an  effort  to  retain  the  rich  admonitions  we 
have  had  the  privilege  of  listening  to  this  morning. 

The   moderator   stated   that  the   time  for   noon   intermission   has   arrived. 


88  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

which  was  subsequent  to  prayer,  the  use  of  hymn  No.  203,  "Spirit  so  Holy," 
etc.,  and  the  benediction. 

Afternoon  Session 

Conference  convened  again  for  the  afternoon  session  by  singing  hymn 
No.  67,  "Purer  in  Heart,"  etc.,  and  secret  prayer. 

It  having  been  made  the  duty  of  the  Bishops  at  a  former  conference  to 
appoint  a  committee  on  Resolutions  for  each  conference,  the  brethren  Daniel 
Shenk  and  S.  M.  Burkholder  are  named  as  such  committee  for  this  conference. 

Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  asked  conference  to  permit  the  ordination  of  a 
deacon  in  his  District,  due  to  the  loss  by  death  of  Deacon  S.  H.  Weaver. 

On  motion  said  request  is  granted. 

Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  stated  that  a  similar  request  comes  to  conference 
from  the  Warwick  Church  for  a  minister  to  be  ordained  in  Norfolk  County. 
Brother  Daniel  Shenk  made  some  remarks  relative  to  the  request,  giving  thi^ 
distance  as  forty  miles  from  the  Warwick  congregation;  that  they  have  three 
ministers  in  Warwick  County,  and  that  aside  from  expenses  and  other  incon- 
veniences they  might  at  present  serve  the  church  in  Norfolk  County,  but  that 
he  thought  it  expedient  to  ordain  a  man  there. 

On  motion  the  privilege  is  granted. 

Brother  L.  J.  Heatwole  stated  that  the  old  custom  of  the  earlier  Mennonite 
ministers  having  been  to  close  each  petition  with  the  Lord's  Prayer,  he  asks 
why  the  present  deviation  from  the  custom.  What  do  we  infer  to  be  the 
teaching  of  God's  Word  along  this  line? 

At  this  stage  of  conference  there  was  an  informal  adjournment  of  the  same 
to  give  place  for  the  funeral  service  of  Sister  Mrs.  Jos.  Swope  to  be  held  here 
at  this  hour. 

Saturday  Morning  Session 

Conference  met  this,  Saturday  morning,  at  8:30  o'clock  and  began  services 
by  singing  hymn  No.  129,  "Sun  of  My  Soul,"  etc.,  and  hymn  No.  70,  "Abide 
With  M'e,"  etc.,  the  reading  of  the  fourth  chapter  of  Ephesians  by  Bishop 
Lewis  Shenk,  and  secret  prayer. 

Conference  being  declared  ready  for  business,  the  unfinished  question  of 
yesterday  was  again  resumed,  and  after  due  consideration  thereof,  on  motion, 
the  same  is  tabled. 

Brother  L.  J.  Heatwole  stated  that  after  consulting  with  his  Bishop 
brethren,  he  has  decided  to  ask  conference  to  consider  the  advisability  of  or- 
daining a  minister  in  the  West  Virginia  field. 

On  motion  the  privilege  is  granted,  subject  to  the  church  counsel  of  the 
Middle   District. 

Question  I— As  the  church  here  doe-s  not  ask  an  acknowledgment  of  a 
member  that  marries  outside  of  the  church,  would  it  not  be  right  for  our 
minister  to  officiate  in  marrying  such  as  are  outside  of  the  church,  especially 
children  of  our  own  members? 

After  a  lengthy  and  interesting  discussion  of  the  same,  on  motion,  the 
questioil  is  tabled>. 

Question  II— Can  this  conference  recommend  some  plan  for  the  church 
to  become  more  united  in  conformity?  Rom.   12:2. 

Resolved.  That  we  believe  it  to  be  necessary  to  continue  advising  and 
entreating  our  members  to  be  more  conformed  to  the  regulations  of  the  church 


Virginia  conference  minutes  89 

in  dress,  but  that  we  ever  use  patience,  forbearance  and  charity  in  the  matter. 
"Come  now  and  let  us  reason  together."    Isaiah  1:18. 

B|shop  Shank  stated  that  as  the  Lower  District  is  entitled  to  the  next 
conference,  the  same  will  be  held  at  the  Zion  Church  on  the  second  Friday 
in  October,  1905,  being  the  13th  day  of  the  month. 

The  report  of  the  conference  minute  fund  was  read  and  approved. 

Tie  Secretary's  report  was  now  read,  and  no  exceptions  being  taken  there- 
to, th^  same  stands  approved. 

Of!  motion  conference  adjourned  after  prayer  and  the  use  of  hymn  No.  141, 
"Dismiss  Us  With  Thy  Blessings,  Lord,"  etc. 

Members  present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — Anthony  P.  Heatwole,  Lewis  J.  Heatwole,  Lewis  Shank. — 3. 

Ministers: — Erasmus  Shank,  Jacob  Martin,  Martin  Brunk,  Daniel  Shenk, 
Edw.  J.  Berkey,  Christian  Good,  Christian  Brunk,  Abram  B.  Burkholder,  Jos. 
F.  Heatwole,  J.  Snively  Martin,  Jacob  A.  Heatwole,  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Samuel 
H.  Rhodes,  Joseph  Geil,  George  Showalter,  Joseph  Shank,  Perry  Shank,  Menno 
S.  Steiner,  of  Ohio,  Joseph  Boll,  of  Pennsylvania. — 19. 

Deacons: — Christian  Shank.  Jacob  Geil,  David  S.  Geil,  John  J.  Wenger, 
Elias  Brunk,  Jacob  Showalter,  Samuel  M.  Burkholder,  Henry  Blosser,  Timothy 
Wenger. — 9. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  31. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES   OCTOBER   13th  AND   14th.   1905 

The  Semi-Annual  Conference  of  Virginia  met  at  Zion  Church  (Lower 
District),  on  Friday,  October  13th,  1905,  at  nine  o'clock  a.  m.  and  opened  by 
singing  hymns  Nos.  1  and  17  in  the  Church  and  Sunday  School  Hymnal;  the 
reading  of  the  sixth  chapter  of  II  Corinthians  by  Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  was 
followed  by  secret  prayer.  Conference  again  engaged  in  singing  hymn  No. 
316,  "He  Keepeth  Me  Ever,"  etc. 

C.  D.  Wenger,  Secretary,  pro  teni. 

The  moderator,  A.  B.  Burkholder,  read  the  rules  of  conference. 

Twenty-three  ministers  and  deacons  then  responded  with  short  addresses 
as  called  upon  by  Deacon  S.  M.  Burkholder,  and  the  following  thoughts  were 
presented: 

When  we  look  into  the  world  and  see  the  sin  that  is  in  it,  we  ought  to  be 
active. 

There  is  a  high  and  noble  calling — Take  my  yoke  upon  you  and  learn 
of   me. 

An  opportunity  that  is  gone  by  is  gone  forever. 

If  you  want  to  put  a  damper  on  your  work  just  deviate  from  your  Chris- 
tianity and  conform  to  the  world;  if  you  want  power  stand  up  before  the 
world,  look  her  squarely  in  the  face  and  let  her  know  that  you  are  not 
ashamed  of  the  gospel. 

May   the    peace    that   passeth    all    understanding    pervade    this    conference. 

In  a  conference  of  this  kind  we  throw  a  pebble  in  the  water  and  wavelets 
go  out  for  good  for  time  and  eternity. 

I  came  to  this  conference  for  encouragement  and  I  have  gotten  it  already. 

On  motion  conference  adjourned  for  the  noon  intermission  by  prayer,  the 
use  of  hymn  No.  312,  "Rock  of  Ages,"  and  the  benediction. 


90  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES' 

Afternoon  Session 

Conference  began  the  afternoon  session  by  the  use  of  hymn  No.  307,  "In 
That  Day,"  and  with  prayer. 

The  moderator  announced  the  conference  ready  for  business  and  accord- 
ing to  conference  rules  the  following  committee  on  resolutions  was  named  by 
the  bishops:  Joseph  Shank  and  E.  J.  Berkey. 

Question  I — A  petition  from  several  members  in  Halifax  county  asked 
that  they  be  cared  for  by  this  conference  and  also  become  a  part  of  same. 

Resolved,  That  this  conference  accept  the  membership  in  Halifax  county 
as  a  part  of  the  Virginia  Conference. 

Question  II — Would  it  not  be  well  to  have  the  names  and  addresses  of  all 
members  of  conference,  present,  printed  on  the  minutes  of  conference? 

Resolved,  That  the  secretary  be  instructed  to  have  the  names  and  ad- 
dresses of  miembers  of  conference,  present,  printed  on  the  conference  minutes. 

Conference  adjourned  for  the  day  by  prayer,  singing  No.  103,  "I'll  Live 
for  Him,"  and  the  benediction. 

Saturday  Morning  Session 

Conference  opened  at  8:30  o'clock  by  the  use  of  hymns  Nos.  49  and  75. 
"Oh,  Lift  Me  up  to'  Thee,"  and  "Send  the  Light."  Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  then 
read  the  third  chapter  of  Colossians  after  which  secret  prayer  was  engaged  in. 

Question  III — Whereas  Christ  says  Swear  not  at  all,  what  form  of  affir- 
mation  should  we  use? 

Resolved,  That  as  the  word  teaches  "Swear  not  at  all,"  Matt.  5:33-37; 
Jas.  5,  12,  we  erase  "Solemnly  Swear,"  and  "So  help  me  God,"  and  simply 
affirm,  by  neither  raising  the  hand  nor  kissing  the  Bible.  In  public  courts- 
simply  say  Yea  or  Nay. 

Question  IV — What  can  we  accept  as  conformity  among  the  brother- 
hood? 

On  motion  the  question  was  laid  aside. 

Question  V — Is  it  consistent  for  our  church  to  accept  members  from  any 
other  church  who  have  been  baptized  in  any  other  way  than  by  pouring,  with- 
out re-baptizing  them? 

After  a  lengthy  and  interesting  discussion  the  question  was,  on  motion,, 
laid  aside  till  some  future  time. 

The   time   and  place   for   the   next   conference   was   designated   by   Bishop 

A.  P.   Heatwole,  as  Friday,   May  11,   1906  at  Springdale  Church   (Upper   Dis- 
trict). 

Conference    minutes    were    read,    corrected    and    approved. 

On  motion  conference  adjourned  after  prayer  and  singing  hymn  No.  114,. 
"Lead  Me  On"  and  the  benediction. 

Members  attending  this  conference: 

Bishops: — L.  J.  Heatwole,  Dale  Enterprise,  Va.;  A.  P.  Heatwole,  Waynes- 
boro, Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  2;  Lewis  Shank,  Broadway,  Va.,  Box  2.-3. 

Ministers: — E.  C.  Shank,  Waynesboro,  Va.;  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Mt.  Clinton. 
Va.;  Perry  E.  Shank,  Broadway,  Va.;  J.  H.  Martin,  Waynesboro,  Va.;  George- 

B.  Showalter,  Broadway,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  16;  M,  W.  Brunk,  Waynesboro,  Va., 
A.  B.  Burkholder,  Harrisonburg,  Va.;  Jacob  A.  Heatwole,  Harrisonburg,  Va.; 
J.  S.  Martin,  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  S;  Jos.  Shank,  Broadway,  Va.,  R. 
F.  D.  No.  16;  H.  H.  Good,  South  Boston,  Va.;  D.  S.  Brunk,  La  Junta,  Colorado;. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  91 

Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  Dayton,  Va.;  Jos.  W.  Geil,  Broadway,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  16; 
E.  J.  Berkey,   Auburn,  Va. — 15. 

Deacons: — S.  M.  Burkholder,  Dale  Enterprise,  Va.;  Fred  Driver,  Waynes- 
boro, Va.;  J.  J.  Wenger,  Linville  Depot,  Va.;  Elias  Brunk,  Harrisonburg,  Va.; 
David  S.  Geil,  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  7;  Jacob  W.  Shov^^alter,  Harris- 
onburg, Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  5;  Henry  Blosser,  Harrisonburg,  Va.;  Jacob  Geil,  T. 
J,  Wenger,  Stuarts  Draft,  Va.— 9. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  27. 

i    CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  MAY  11th  AND  12th,  1906 

The  Senii-Annual  Conference  of  Virginia  met  at  the  Springdale  Church 
(Upper  District),  on  Friday  morning,  May  11,  at  nine  o'clock  a.  m.  and  opened 
by  singing  from  "Church  and  Sunday-School  Hymnal"  the  words  "Savior  like 
a  shepherd  lead  us,"  and  also  hymns  Nos.  377  and  52,  by  the  reading  of  Col. 
3:1,  17  by  Bishop  Lewis  Shank,  and  secret  prayer. 

Brother  Christian  Good,  the  moderator,  read  the  rules  of  conference.  C. 
H.  Brunk,  Secretary. 

Success  in  the  Christian  work  does  not  depend  so  much  on  the  numbers 
as  on  consecration. 

A  wall  was  necessary  to  protect  Jerusalem;  so  we  need  to  be  hedged  about 
with   God's  word. 

Other  foundations  can  no  man  lay  than  that  is  laid,  but  how  do  we  build 
upon  it? 

Forenoon  session  closed  with  prayer  and  song  No.  140,  "Some  day  these 
conflicts  will  be  o'er." 

Afternoon  Session 

The  opening  of  the  afternoon  session  consisted  of  the  use  of  hymn  No. 
146,  a  short  exhortation  by  Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  and  secret  prayer. 

The  moderator  declared  conference  ready  for  business  and  asked  the 
Bishops  to  appoint  a  committee  on  resolutions  as  provided  by  the  action  of  a 
former  conference.  Accordingly  S.  M.  Burkholder  and  A.  B.  Burkholder  were 
appointed. 

Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  asked  whether,  where  the  membership  on  com- 
munion o'ccasions  is  large,  the  Bishop  in  charge  should  be  permitted  to  select 
as  many  assistants  in  the  distribution  of  the  emblems  as  would  seem  to  him 
necessary. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  conference  that  the  Bishop  in  charge 
of  our  communion  services  shall  have  the  privilege  of  selecting  as  many 
assistants  to  distribute  the  emblems  as  he  may  think  necessary. 

Would  it  not  be  in  harmony  with  the  scriptures  to  use  unleavened  bread 
at  our  communion? 

Resolved,  That  we  see  no'  scriptural  reason  why  either  unleavened  or 
leavened  bread  may  not  be  used. 

Would  it  not  be  in  harmony  with  the  scriptures  to  use  unfermented  wine 
at  our   communion? 

On  motion  the  question  was  tabled. 

Is  it  in  harmony  with  our  profession  as  a  non-resistent  people  for  a  mem- 
ber to  report  to  government  officials  an  individual  who  has  violated  the  laws 
of  the  government? 


92  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

On  motiOTi  the  committee  on  resolutions  is  instructed  to  prepare  a  reso- 
lution on  the  foregoing  question  by  tomorrow  morning. 

On  motion  the  afternoon  session  closed  with  prayer,  singing  the  hymn 
"Purer  in  heart,   O   God,  etc."  and  the  benediction. 

Saturday  Morning  Session 

The  session  Saturday  morning  at  8:30  o'clock  began  by  singing  the  hymn 
""O  Lord,  thy  heavenly  grace  impart,"  and  the  hymn,  "Use  me,  O  my  gracious 
Savior,  etc.,"  the  reading  of  the  third  chapter  of  Philippians  by  Bishop  L.  J. 
Heatwole  and  prayer. 

The  moderator  declared  conference  ready  for  business,  and  stated  that  the 
Bishops  have  the  privilege  of  first  presenting  any  matter  that  they  may  have. 

Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  asked  the  feeling  of  conference  as  to  the  advisa- 
bility of  ordaining  a  Bishop  in  the  Warwick-Norfolk  congregation,  consisting 
of  about  60  members. 

Resolved,     That  this  conference  advise  the  ordination  of  a  bishop  for  the 
Warwick-Norfolk  congregation  provided  it  meets  the  approbation  of  said  con 
gregation. 

The  resolution  continued  from  yesterday  and  tO'  be  prepared  for  action  this 
morning  was  read  and  passed  as  follows: 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  conference  that  it  is  not  a  vio- 
lation of  the  non-resistant  principle  to  report  a  transgressor  of  the  law  in 
obedience  to  the  demands  of  the  civil  authorities,  but  should  not  be  done  in  a 
spirit  of  personal  revenge  or  for  profit.     Romans  13:1-7;  I  Peter  2:13,  14. 

Should  we  observe  and  teach  fasting  as  mentioned  in  Matt.  6:16-18? 

Resolved,  That  this  conference  recommend  that  fasting  be  taught  and 
practiced,  especially  on  entering  upon  important  duties  or  occasions  and  upon 
intense  desire  to  obtain  special  blessings,  according  to  Matt.  17:14-21;  Acts 
13:2,3. 

Should  not  this  conference  arrange  to  carry  out  the  decision  of  a  former 
conference  to  send  a  minister  to  Winchester  once  a  month? 

On  motion  it  is  resolved  to  appoint  a  minister  to  take  charge  of  the  work 
at  Winchester,  and  that  it  be  made  the  duty  of  the  Bishops  to  appoint  said 
mlinister  and  that  his  traveling  expenses  be  borne  by  this  conference  district. 

Upon  consideration  the  bishops  announced  the  appointment  of  Jacob  A. 
Heatwole  to  take  charge  of  the  work  at  Winchester. 

The  moderator  stated  that  he  thought  that  much  improvement  might  be 
made  is  the  method  of  conducting  the  business  portion  of  our  conference  by 
assigning  topics  to  be  discussed  to  certain  members  of  conference  before  the 
time  of  conference. 

On  motion  the  question  was  dismissed. 

The  moderator  announced  that  the  election  of  conference  ofificers  for  two 
succeeding  years  is  now  in  order,  and  votes  being  taken  for  moderator  and 
secretary  resulted  in  the  choice  of  C.  Good  for  moderator  and  C.  H.  Brunk  for 
secretary;  and  votes  being  taken  for  an  arranging  committee,  consisting  of 
three  members  of  conference,  one  from  each  district,  resulted  in  the  choice  of 
Erasmus  Shank,  Upper  District;  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  Middle  District,  and  Jos. 
W.  Geil,  Lower  District. 

While  the  vote  was  being  taken  the  congregation  engaged  in  singing  No. 
52,  "Would  you  know  the  love  of  Jesus,"  etc.,  and  No.  123,  "Choose  my  path- 
O  blessed  Savior." 


VIRGINIA    'CONFERENCE    MINUTES  93 

Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  stated  that  in  turn  the  Middle  District  will  be  en- 
titled to  the  next  conference,  and  will  be  held  at  the  Bank  Church  on  the 
second  Friday  in  October,  being  October  12,  1906. 

Conference  financial  report  was  read  and  approved. 

On  m,otion  conference  adjourned  after  a  short  exhortation  from  Bishop  I*. 
Shank,  secret  prayer,  the  singing  of  hymn  No.  121  and  the  benediction. 

The  following  are  the  names  and  addresses  of  members  of  conferenc€ 
present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — L.  J.  Heatwole,  Dale  Enterprise,  Va.;  A.  P.  Heatwole,  Waynes- 
boro, Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  2;  Lewis  Shank,  Broadway,  Va.,  Box  2. — 3. 

Ministers: — E.  C.  Shank,  Waynesboro,  Va.;  Sem  S.  Weaver,  M,t.  Clinton, 
Va.;  Perry  E  .Shank,  Broadway,  Va.;  J.  H.  Martin,  Waynesboro,  Va.;  A.  B. 
Burkholder,  Harrisonburg,  Va.;  Jacob  A.  Heatwole,  Harrisonburg,  Va.;  J.  S. 
Martin,  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  5;  Jos.  Shank,  Broadway,  Va.,  R.  F.  D. 
No.  16;  H.  H.  Good,  South  Boston,  Va.;  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  Dayton,  Va.;  Jos. 
W.  Geil,  Broadway,  Va..,  R.  F.  D.  No.  16;  C.  Good,  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F.  D. 
No.  5;  Samuel  H.  Rhodes,  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  4.— 13. 

Deacons: — S.  M.  Burkholder,  Dale  Enterprise,  Va.;  Fred  Driver,  Waynes- 
boro, Va.;  J.  J.  Wenger,  Linville  Depot,  Va.;  Elias  Brunk,  Harrisonburg,  Va.; 
David  S.  Geil,  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  7;  Jacob  W.  Showalter,  Harri- 
sonburg, Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  5;  Henry  Blosser,  Harrisonburg,  Va.;  T.  J.  Wenger, 
Stuarts  Draft,  Va.;  H.  L.  Rhodes,  Auburn,  Va.;  Benjamin  Brenneman,  Mohea, 
Va.;  Christ.  Eversole,  Riverton,  Va.;  Isaac  Grove,  Mt.  Meridian,  Va. — 12. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  28. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  OCTOBER  12th  AND  13th,  1906 

The  Semi-Annual  Conference  of  Virginia  met  at  the  Bank  Church  (Middle 
District),  on  Friday,  October  12th,  at  nine  o'clock  a.  m.  and  was  opened  by 
singing  from  "Church  and  Sunday  School  Hymnal"  the  words  "And  are  we 
yet  alive,"  etc.,  also  hymn  No.  91. 

Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  read  the  first  chapter  of  Philippians,  which  was 
followed  by  secret  prayer. 

C.  H.  Brunk,  Secretary. 

Christian  Good,  the  mioderator,  read  the  rules  of  conference,  and  made 
some  remarks  upon  the  same. 

Brother  J.  D.  Wert  reported  the  conditions  of  the  Norfolk  and  Warwick 
Churches  as  encouraging. 

Brother  Jacob  A.  Heatwole  reported  the  condition  of  the  Winchester  con- 
gregation as  not  very  encouraging,  but  believes  it  should  not  be  abandoned. 

Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  extended  a  greeting  of  welcome  to  visiting  members 
from  other  Conference  Districts  and  invited  their  mutual  co-operation  in  the 
deliberations  of  this  conference. 

The  morning  session  of  conference  closed  with  prayer  and  the  use  of  the 
hymn  beginning  "Nearer  Still  Nearer  My  Heart,"  etc. 

The  moderator  announced  the  intermission  to  be  one  and  one-fourth  hours. 
Afternoon  Session 

Opened  by  singing  hymn  No'.  8,  "Once  more  we  come  before  our  God, 
etc.,"  followed  with  secret  prayer. 

The  moderator  requested  the  appointment  of  a  committee  on  resolutions 
for  this  conference  which  is  as  follows:  Timothy  Wenger  and  Joseph  W.  Geil. 


94  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

The  moderator  declared  conference  ready  for  business  and  accorded  the 
Bishops  the  privilege  of  first  presenting  such  matters  as  they  may  have  for  con- 
sideration, and  nothing  being  ofifered,  the  following  was  presented: 

Question  I — What  does  this  conference  advise  in  regard  to  our  members 
attending  the  Jamestown  Exposition? 

Brother  Wert  being  from  near  the  section  of  country  where  the  Exposition 
ns  to  be  held,  gave  a  brief  statement  as  to  what  the  Exposition  is  likely  to  be, 
viz.,  largely  of  a  worldly  nature. 

Brother  Brunk  gave  the  attitude  of  the  western  churches  toward  similar 
institutions,  as  being  opposed,  and  the  question  being  further  and  fully  dis- 
cussed the  following  resolution  was  passed: 

Resolved,  That  this  conference  regards  it  wrong  for  members  tO'  attend 
the  Jamestown  Exposition  and  similar  institutions  according  to  the  following 
scriptures;  Romans  12:2;  1:32;  Gal.  6:14;  Jas.  1:27;  4:4,  and  I  John  2:15. 

Question  II — Would  this  conference  recommend  the  receiving  of  persons 
to  membership  with  us  who  come  from  other  denominations  while  they  are  yet 
in  a  back-slidden  state,  and  out  of  communion  with  their  own  church. 

Resolved,  That  we  use  wisdom,  in  receiving  backsliders  -from  other 
vchurches  as  well  as  our  own,  and  see  that  they  bring  fruits  meet  for  repentance. 

Question  III — Since  there  are  many  instances  where  application  is  being 
.made  for  a  church  letter  by  members  who  remove  from  our  conference  dis- 
trict into'  other  states,  would  it  not  be  well  for  this  body  to  adopt  some  fixed 
form  for  writing  a  certificate  of  membership,  and  also  say  who  is  the  proper ' 
one  to  issue  it? 

Resolved,  That  we  leave  this  question  in  the  hands  of  the  Bishops  to  use 
their  own  discretipn  in  the  matter. 

On  motion,  conference  voted  to  adjourn,  following  suitable  closing  exer- 
cises which  was  by  prayer  and  the  use  of  hymn  "My  faith  looks  up  to  Thee, 
•etc.,"  and  the  benediction. 

Saturday  Morning   Session 

Conference  met  at  half  past  eight  o'clock  and  opened  by  singing  hymn  No. 
;282,  "Now  the  shades  of  night  are  gone,  etc.,"  also  hymn  No.  278,  "I  owe  the 
Lord  a  morning  song,  etc.,"  by  the  reading  of  the  fourth  chapter  of  Ephesians, 
by    Bishop    J.    D.    Wert   and    secret   prayer. 

Conference  now  being  declared  ready  for  business,  and  the  Bishops  having 
nothing  for  conference  at  this  time,  the  following  question  was  presented: 

Question  IV — How  should  the  standing  of  members  be  considered  who 
habitually  absent  themselves  from  counsel  meeting  and  communion? 

Resolved,  That  after  proper  visitations  have  failed  to  restore  such  person 
to  the  commiinion  of  the  church  he  should  be  no'  longer  held  as  a  member. 

Question  V — What  is  the  atitude  of  this  conference  on  the  subject  of  pay- 
ing tithes?     See  Gen.  28:20,22;  Lev.  27:30;  Num.  18:21;  Luke  18:12. 

Resolved,  That  we  are  not  under  the  law  that  made  tithing  compulsory, 
but  that  it  is  the  duty  of  Christian  people  to  give  liberally  for  the  extension  of 
God's  kingdom  and  to  the  necessities  of  the  poor,  according  to  I  Cor.  16:2;  II 
Cor.  9:7. 

Congregation  engaged  in  singing  hymn  No.  27,  "Come  Thou  Almighty 
King,  etc." 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  95 

Acts  2:44-45  giving  an  account  of  the  early  church  as  having  all  things 
common,  was  interestedly  discussed  along  the  line  of  Christian  duty.  It  not 
being  a  command  that  we  should  have  things  in  common,  we  have  a  right  to 
choose  that  which  promotes  the  highest  good. 

The  moderator  stated  that  it  was  time  that  we  should  prepare  to  adjourn 

Bishop  Shank  said  he  is  glad  to  say  that  his  District  is  entitled  to  the  next 
conference  and  that  it  will  be  held  at  Lindale  Church  on  the  second  Friday  in 
May  (May  10th,   1907). 

Conference  adjourned  after  hearing  the  financial  report,  the  reading  and 
correction  of  the  secretary's  report,  a  short  exhortation  by  Bishop  A.  P.  Heat- 
wole,  prayer,  the  use  of  hymn  No.  44,  "More  Like  Thee,  etc.,"  and  the  bene- 
diction. 

The  following  are  the  names  and  addresses  of  members  of  Conference 
present   at  this   conference: 

Bishops: — L.  J.  Heatwole,  Dale  Enterprise,  Va.;  A.  P.  Heatwole,  Waynes- 
boro, Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  2;  Lewis  Shank,  Broadway,  Va.,  Box  2;  Geo.  R.  Brunk, 
Inman,   Kans. ;  J.   D.  Wert,   Hearing,  Va. — 5. 

*Ministers: — E.  C.  Shank,  Waynesboro,  Va.;  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Mt.  Clinton, 
Va.;  Perry  E.  Shank,  Broadway,  Va.;  J.  H.  Miartin,  Waynesboro,  Va.;  Jacob  A. 
Heatwole,  Harrisonburg,  Va.;  J.  S.  Martin,  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  5; 
Jos.  Shank,  Broadway,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  16;  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  Dayton,  Va.; 
Jos.  W.  Geil,  Broadway,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  16;  C.  Good,  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F. 
D.  No.  5;  Samuel  H.  Rhodes,  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  4;  Aaron  C.  Good, 
Sterling,  111.;  C.  H.  Becker,  Concord,  Tenn.;  R.  L.  Smith,  Rich  Mt.,  W.  Va.— 
14. 

Deacons: — S.  M.  Burkholder,  Dale  Enterprise,  Va.;  J.  J.  Wenger,  Linville 
Depot,  Va.;  Elias  Brunk,  Harrisonburg,  Va.;  David  S.  Geil,  Harrisonburg,  Va., 
R.  F.  D'.  No.  7;  Jacob  W.  Showalter,  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  5;  T.  J. 
Wenger,  Stuarts  Draft,  Va.;  Isaac  Grove,  Mt.  Meridan,  Va. — 7. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  26. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  MAY  10th  AND  11th,  1907 

The  Semi-Annual  Conference  of  Virginia  met  at  the  Linville  Church  (Low- 
er District),  on  Friday,  May  10th,  1907,  and  was  opened  at  nine  o'clock  a.  m. 
by  the  use  of  hymns  Nos.  377  and  303,  the  reading  of  the  twentieth  chapter  of 
Acts  by  Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  and  secret  prayer. 

The  rules  of  conference  were  read  by  the  moderator.  Brother  Christian 
Good.     C.  H.  Brunk,  Secretary. 

Brother  L.  J.  Heatwole  read  an  extract  from  a  letter  written  by  Bishop  J. 
D.  Wert,  giving  the  condition  of  the  Norfolk-Warwick  congregation  of  which 
he  is  bishop,  showing  that  peace  prevails  generally,  and  tiiat  there  have  been  5 
accessions  to  the  church  since  our  last  conference,  besides  several  that  have 
mjoved  in  from  other  districts. 

Forenoon  session  closed  with  prayer  and  song. 

Afternoon  Session 

Opened  by  singing  the  hymn,  "Jesus  from  whom  all  blessings  flow,  etc.,"' 
and  secret  prayer. 


•Preacher  Joseph  Hashbarger  died  October  7,   1906 — just  five  days  before   the  meeting  of  this- 
conference. 


96  VIRGINIA    CONP^ERENCE    MINUTES 

The  moderator  requested  the  appointment  of  a  committee  on  resolutions 
for  this  conference,  which  resulted  as  follows:  Erasmus  C.  Shank  and  Samuel 
H.  Rhodes. 

The  moderator  declared  conference  ready  for  business  and  accorded  the 
bishops  the  privilege  of  first  presenting  such  matters  as  they  may  have  for 
consideration,  whereupon 

L.  J.  Heatwole  asked  permission  to  ordain  one  or  two  ministers  in  his  dis- 
trict, and  in  doing  so  he  felt  that  the  request  and  what  it  implied  should  be 
looked  upon  and  treated  as  a  very  serious  and  weighty  matter,  and  that  his  co- 
laborers  are  of  the  same  mind  that  such  request  should  be  made. 

A.  P.  Heatwole  miade  a  similar  request  for  his  district,  viz.,  that  he  be 
permitted  to  ordain  a  minister  for  the  congregations  of  his  district,  and  a 
deacon  for  the  Mountain  View  Station. 

Question  I — Is  it  not  in  accordance  with  the  Bible  that  all  members  at 
counsel  meeting  be  asked  to  express  peace  with  all  men  as  well  as  with  the 
Church.     Luke  23:54;  Acts  7:60;  Romans  12:18,  etc. 

Resolved,  That  the  Bible  teaches  us  to'  live  peaceably  with  all  men  as  much 
as  lieth  in  us,  and  therefore  we  think  it  according  to  the  Bible. 

Question  II — Wouldn't  it  be  right  and  proper  to  consider  the  subject  of 
"ministers  visiting  the  sick"  more  in  the  future  than  has  been  done  in  the 
past? 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  duty  of  every  Christian  to  visit  the  sick  frequent- 
ly. James  1:27. 

Question  III — The  sentiment  of  our  people,  as  a  rule,  being  strongly 
against  the  liquor  trafiic,  is  it  consistent  for  our  members  to  take  orders  from,. 
and  deliver  goods  to  saloon-keepers;  such  things  as  milk,  groceries  and  other 
household  supplies? 

While  a  resolution  was  being  prepared  the  congregation  sang  the  hymn 
"Some  days  are  dark  and  dreary,"  etc. 

Resolved,  That  as  the  Bible  teaches  us  to  abstain  from  every  appearance 
of  evil,  therefore  we  believe  it  to  be  our  duty  to  stay  out  of  saloons  as  well  as- 
other  questionable  places. 

Question  IV — What  is  the  feeling  of  this  conference  towards  our  members 
wearing  of  clothing  so  as  to  expose  their  arms  and  a  portion  of  their  body 
to  public  view? 

Resolved,  That  as  the  Scriptures  plainly  teaches  that  women  adorn  them- 
selves in  modest  apparel,  therefore  such  clothing  is  improper  and  not  becoming: 
to  women  professing  Godliness.    I  Tim.  2:9,  10. 

The  moderator  requested  a  closing  service,  which  was  by  prayer,  hymn' 
310,  "Nearer  still  nearer,"  etc.  and  the  benediction. 

Saturday  Morning  Session 

Conference  met  at  half-past  eight  o'clock,  and  opened  by  singing  hymns 
Nos.  114  and  29,  the  reading  of  the  fourth  chapter  Ephesians  by  Bishop  L.  J. 
Heatwole,  and  secret  prayer. 

The  moderator  annoimced  conference  ready  for  business  and  requested 
the  bishops  to  present  any  matters  that  they  may  have  for  consideration,  where- 
upon L.  J.  Heatwole  made  a  statement  with  regard  to'  the  sale  of  the  church: 
house  at  Kernstown,  Va.  Said  the  am'ount  realized  will  be  about  $100.00  after- 
paying  certain  expenses  connected  therewith;  that  he  desires  conference  to 
ratify  the  sale  and  decide  what  shall  be  done  with  the  money. 

Brother  C.   Good  made  further  statements  with  regard  to  the  sale  of  the- 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  97 

property  and  the  condition  of  the  congregation  in  that  locality. 

On  motion,  the  sale  of  said  property  is  ratified,  and  it  is 

Resolved,  That  the  fund  arising  from  the  sale  of  the  same  be  turned  over 
to  our  Virginia  Board  of  Home  Missions  and  Charities,  to  be  used  for  the 
benefit  of  the  West  Virginia  Mission. 

Question  V — Is  it  in  harmony  with  the  teachings  of  Christ  and  the  Apostles 
for  a  minister  to  defer  applicants  for  baptism  when  he  has  not  been  authorized 
by  the  bishop  to  administer  baptism?  See  Matt.  28:19;  Acts  16:33;  also  Acts 
8:37,  38. 

On  motion,  the  question  is  tabled. 

Memo. — A  certain  doctor  complains  that  too  many  people  call  upon  him 
for  treatment  on  Sunday,  seemingly  to  avoid  taking  the  time  in  the  week 
day,  hence  the  following  query: 

Question  VI — Is  it  in  harmony  with  the  Scriptures  for  persons  to  delay 
going  to  a  doctor  until  on  Sunday  for  the  treatment  of  chronic  cases? 

After  some  discussion  of  the  subject  and  other  inconsistencies  along  the 
same  line,  the  following  resolution  was  adopted: 

Resolved,  That  to  make  it  a  point  to  go  to'  a  doctor  for  treatment  on 
Sunday  is  not  in  harmony  with  the  teaching  of  the  Scriptures. 

Question  VII — What  is  the  sense  of  this  conference  with  regard  to  adding 
a  goodly  number  of  workers,  especially  ministers,  in  the  Upper  and  Lower 
Districts,  in  order  to  more  thoroughly  work  the  mountainous  and  outlying 
sections? 

Resolved,  That  this  conference  feels  to  encourage  the  work  of  sending 
ministers  and  laborers  to  outside  or  mission  points. 

Question  VIII — Would  it  not  be  in  harmony  with  the  teachings  of  the 
Bible  that  at  our  communion  meetings  during  the  time  of  feet  washing,  that  the 
washing  commence  with  those  in  the  pulpit,  thence  back  bench  after  bench 
until  each  tier  of  benches  are  through,  and  so  on,  in  harmony  with  I  Cor. 
14:40? 

Resolved,  That  the  same  be  granted  where  the  membership  is  sufficiently 
large  to  require  it. 

The  moderator  stated  that  the  time  to  adjourn  had  not  fully  arrived, 
whereupon  the  bishops  gave  short  talks  on  matters  pertaining  to  conference 
and  its  relations  to  the  church. 

It  was  announced  that  the  next  conference  will  be  held  at  Springdale 
Church,  Upper  District,  on  the  second  I-Viday  in  October,  being  the  11th  of 
the  month. 

Conference  minutes,  together  with  the  financial  report,  were  read  and 
approved,  when,  after  singing  hymn  No.  386,  conference  adjourned  with  prayer 
and  the  benediction. 

The  following  are  the  names  and  addresses  of  members  of  conference 
present  at  this  conference: 

Bishops: — L.  J.  Heatwole,  Dale  Enterprise,  Va.;  A.  P.  Heatwole,  Waynes- 
boro, Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  2;   Lewis  Shank,   Broadway,  Va.,   Box  2.-3. 

*Ministers: — C.  E.  Shank,  Waynesboro,  Va.;  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Mt.  Clinton, 
Va.;   Perry   E.   Shank,    Broadway,   Va.;   J.   H.   Martin,   Waynesboro,   Va.;   J.   S. 


'Preacher  Christian  Brunk  died  in  December  previous  to  this  conference.  He  was  one  of  the 
most  striking  figures  in  this  bo^j^^nd  was  also  one  of  its  most  regular  attendants — seldom 
missed  a   conference   through   the   entire   45    years   of   his   ministry. 


98  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

Martin,  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  5;  Jos.  Shank,  Broadway,  Va.,  R.  F. 
D.  No.  16;  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  Dayton,  Va.;  Jos.  W.  Geil,  Broadway,  Va.,  R.  F.  D. 
No.  16;  C.  Good,  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  5;  Samuel  H.  Rhodes,  Harri- 
sonburg, Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  4;  H.  H.  Good,  South  Boston,  Va.;  A.  Burkholder, 
Harrisonburg,  Va. — 12. 

Deacons: — S.  M.  Burkholder,  Dale  Enterprise,  Va.;  J.  J.  Wenger,  Linville 
Depot,  Va.;  Elias  Brunk,  Harrisonburg,  Va.;  David  S.  Geil,  Harrisonburg,  Yv.., 
R.  F.  D.  No.  7;  Jacob  W.  Showalter,  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  5;  Isaac 
Grove,  VVeyers  Cave,  Va.;  Henry  Blosser,  Harrisonburg,  Va.;  Jacob  Geil, 
Edom,  Va.;  C.  J.  Shank,  Singers  Glen,  Va. — 9. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and   Deacons  24. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  OCTOBER  11th  AND  12th,  1907 

The  Semi-Annual  Conference  of  Virginia  met  at  the  Springdale  Church 
■(Upper  District),  on  Friday,  October  11th,  1907,  and  was  opened  at  nine  o'clock 
a.  m.  by  the  use  of  hymns  Nos.  277  and  377  in  the  Church  and  Sunday  School 
Hymnal,  the  reading  of  the  first  chapter  of  Philippians  bp  Bishop  L.  J.  Heat- 
■wole,  and  followed  by  secret  prayer. 

In  the  absence  of  the  secretary,  S.  M.  Burkholder  was  appointed  secretary 
pro  tem. 

The  rules  of  conference  were  then  read  by  the  moderator.  Christian  Good. 

Fifteen  ministers  and  seven  deacons  then  gave  short  talks,  from  which 
the  following  thoughts  were  gleaned: 

We  hope  as  long  as  we  live  we  may  stand  together  in  the  work  of  the 
Lord. 

If  we  are  not  fully  equipped  with  the  whole  armour  of  God,  we  will  not  be 
able  to  teach  the  doctrine  of  Christ. 

If  even  we  feel  ourselves  weak,  others  cannot  do  our  part  of  the  work. 

We  can  only  make  the  Avork  of  the  Lord  a  pleasure  by  being  ready  to  do 
our   part. 

Let  us  know  that  the  work  we  do,  we  do  because  we  love  Jesus. 

May  not  some  soul  be  lost  because  we  are  not  in  the  work  early  and  late, 
even  through  the  heat  of  the  day. 

In  order  that  our  preaching  might  be  effective,  we  must  believe  what  we 
preach. 

We  hope  the  most  intense  interest  that  has  been  expressed  may  prevail 
in  every  nook  and  corner  of  our  beloved  church. 

We  are  no  doubt  here  through  the  labors  of  those  who  sleep  in  the  dust, 
then  let  our  lives  be  such  that  when  we  sleep  in  death  our  influence  may  still 
go  on. 

Deacon  H.  L.  Rhodes,  of  Auburn,  also  sent  a  greeting  of  love  tO'  this 
conference. 

Conference  then  adjourned  for  dinner  with  secret  prayer  and  singing  hymn 
No.  106. 

Afternoon  Session 

The  afternoon  session  opened  with  singing  hymn  No.  53  and  prayer. 
The  moderator  then  declared  conference  ready  for  business. 
The  brethren   E.  J.   Berky  and  Elias   Brunk  were  chosen  a  committee  on 
resolutions. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  99 

Question  I — Should  not  this  conference  appoint  a  brother  to  act  with  the 
General  Board  of  Missions  and  Charities? 

Resolved,  That  this  conference  appoint  a  brother  to  act  with  the  General 
Board  of  Missions  and  Charties. 

Brother  P.  S.  Hartman  was  appointed. 

Question  II — Should  not  this  conference  select  two  or  more  of  its  members 
to  represent  it  and  the  Virginia  Church  on  whatsoever  matters  of  interest 
there  may  be  for  us  in  General  Conference  Work? 

After  considerable  discussion  the  question  was  deferred  till  tomorrow 
when  the  question  was  again  taken  up  with  the  following  decision: 

Resolved,  That  this  conference  defer  to  vote  on  this  question  till  some 
future  session  of  conference. 

Question  III — "I  was  sick  and  ye  visited  me."  How  is  this  passage  to  be 
reconciled  with  the  present  rules  of  some  physicians  that  forbid  the  sick  from 
being  visited  even  by  our  ministers? 

Inasmuch  as  the  Gospel  commands  us  to  visit  the  sick  we  should  obey 
God  rather  than  man.    Acts  5:29.     Especially  where  a  desire  is  expressed. 

Conference  then  adjourned  with  prayer  and  singing  hymn  No.  310. 

Saturday  Morning  Session 

Saturday  morning  session  opened  at  8:30  o'clock  by  singing  hymns  Nos. 
126  and  44,  followed  by  the  reading  of  I  John  3rd  chapter  and  secret  prayer. 

Question  IVi — Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  asked  the  advisability  of  granting 
Brother  E.  J.  Berky,  of  Warrenton,  Va.,  the  privilege  of  locating  in  another 
field  of  labor. 

Resolved,  That  we  grant  the  brother  the  privilege  of  locating  elsewhere 
if  he  sees  proper. 

Question  V — Whereas  the  saloon  and  the  liquor  traffic  has  become  such 
an  alarming  evil  should  not  this  conference  appoint  a  committee  who  shall 
request  the  publishers  of  the  newspapers  of  our  county  to  leave  out  of  their 
publications  all  liquor  advertisements,  and  also  to  act  in  any  capacity  where 
our  church  should  be  represented  to  suppress  this  great  evil? 

Resolved,  That  this  conference  as  a  body  voice  a  strong  influence  in  sup- 
pressing liquor  evils  without   sacrificing  Gospel  principles. 

The  moderator  stated  that  it  was  time  to  prepare  to  adjourn. 

Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  stated  that  the  next  conference  would  be  held 
at   Weavers   Church    (Middle   District),    May  8th,    1908. 

Conference  adjourned  after  hearing  the  financial  report,  and  the  reading 
of  the  secretary's  report,  a  short  admonition  and  caution  by  Bishop  Lewis 
Shank,  prayer  and  singing  hymn  No;  409. 

The  following  are  the  names  and  addresses  of  members  of  conference  pres- 
ent: 

Bishops:— Lewis  Shank,  Broadway,  Va.,  Box  2;  L.  J.  Heatwole,  Dale  Enter- 
prise, Va.;  A.  P.  Heatwole,  Waynesboro,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No'.  2. — 3. 

Ministers:— Jos.  W.  Geil,  Broadway,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  16;  George- B.  Sho- 
walter,  Broadway,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  16;  Perry  E.  Shank,  Broadway,  Va.;  A.  B. 
Burkholder,  Harrisonburg,  Va.;  Jos.  W.  Cofifman,  Dayton,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  1; 
C.  Good,  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  5;  J.  S.  M^artin,  Hinton,  Va.;  S.  H. 
Rhodes,  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  4;  J.  Early  Suter,  Harrisonburg,  Va., 
R.  F.  D.  No.  4;  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Mt.  Clinton,  Va.;  Jacob  H.  Martin,  Waynes- 


idb  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

boro,  Va.;  E.  C.  Shank,  Waynesboro,  Va.;  Etter  Heatwole,  Waynesboro,  Va.; 
H.  H.  Good,  South  Boston,  Va.;  E.  J.  Berkey,  Warrenton,  Va.— 15. 

Deacons: — Henry  Blosser,  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  5;  EHas  Brunk, 
Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  5;  S.  M.  Burkholder,  Dale  Enterprise,  Va.; 
Fred  Driver,  Waynesboro,  Va.;  Isaac  Grove,  Weyer's  Cave,  Va.;  T.  J.  Wenger, 
Stuart's  Draft,  Va.;  Christian  Eversole,  Riverton,  Va. — 7. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  25. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  MAY  8th  AND  9th,  1908 

The  Semi-Annual  Conference  of  Virginia  met  at  the  Weaver  Church 
(Middle  District),  on  Friday,  May  8th,  and  opened  at  nine  o'clock  a.  m.  with 
devotional  services,  as  follows:  by  singing  hymns  377  and  204  from  "Church 
and  Sunday  School  Hymnal,"  the  reading  of  the  fourth  chapter  of  Ephesians 
by  Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  and  secret  prayer. 

C.  H.  Brunk,  Secretary. 

The  rules  of  conference  were  read  by  the  moderator.  Christian  Good. 

Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  extended  a  greeting  of  welcome  to  visiting  brethren 
and  si»ters,  and  that  members  of  other  conferences  are  invited  to  take  part 
in  our  conference  work  and  feel  at  home  with  us. 

After  remarks  of  the  bishops,  twenty  ministers  and  ten  deacons  responded 
to  the  call  of  their  names  by  wholesome  words  of  admonition  and  encourage- 
ment, from  which  we  gather  the  following  thoughts:  All  seemed  to  be  im- 
pressed with  the  importance  of  more  active  work.  There  are  two  kinds  of 
workers,  willing  and  unwilling.  Which  are  we?  Each  one  has  a  special  work 
to  do.  If  we  are  willing  to  work  God  will  find  and  direct  the  work  for  us.  Will 
power  and  faithfulness  belongs  to  every  willing  worker.  Nehemiah's  work — no 
time  for  anything  except  the  work  they  had  in  hand — so  we  should  be  in  our 
service  for  the  Master.  The  Holy  Spirit  is  the  greatest  power  in  the  work. 
Let  us  live  more  in  the  Spirit  of  love;  instead  of  complaining  about  our  Bish- 
ops, Ministers,  Deacons,  etc.,  let  us  encourage  them  in  their  work.  The  im- 
portance of  home  work  and  influence  was  emphasized.  Be  careful  about  con- 
versation, literature  and  example  given  to  children.  Family  worship  should 
be  found  in  every  Christian  home.  The  Sunday  School  is  another  great  factor 
in  the  Master's  work,  and  should  be  carefully  guarded.  We  should  ever  hold 
up  the  standard  of  Christian  living,  and  ever  have  an  eye  single  to  God's  glory. 

Forenoon  session  closed  with  song  and  prayer. 

Afternoon  Session 

The  afternoon  session  opened  by  singing  hymn  No.  381,  "How  beauteous 
are  the  feet,"  etc.,  also  No.  380,  "I  love  thy  Kingdom,  Lord,"  etc.,  and  secret 
prayer,  after  which  the  moderator  declared  conference  ready  for  business,  and 
asked  that  a  committee  on  resolutions  be  appointed  by  the  bishops,  who  there- 
upon named  Daniel  Shenk,  of  Warwick  County,  Va.,  and  Amos  D.  Wenger,  of 
Millersville,  Pa.  Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  stated  that  permission  had  heretofore 
been  granted  by  conference  to  ordain  a  Deacon  in  the  West  Va.  field,  but  that 
the  ordination  for  certain  good  reasons  has  been  hitherto  delayed,  but  he  now 
desires  to  have  an  ordination  in  the  near  future,  and  therefore  asks  this  con- 
ference for  a  renewal  of  the  permission  heretofore  granted.  After  some  re- 
marks, on  motion  by  vote,  said  permission  is  renewed. 

Brother  Heatwole  further  stated  that  no  definite  arrangements  have  yet 
been  made  to  supply  the  West  Va.  field  with  a  minister  for  the  present  year; 
that  an  appointment  had  been  made  in  the  person  of  Brother  Samuel  Rhodes, 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  10?l 

but  that  the  possibilities  of  his  going  is  simply  waiting  developments,  and  also 
that  there  is  a  plan  contemplated  by  which  a  brother  may  be  permanently 
stationed  there  after  this  year,  to  work  in  connection  with  Brother  Smith,  but 
for  the  want  of  more  definite  information  as  to  the  possible  outcome,  it  is 
agreed  to  defer  further  action  in  the  matter  until  tomorrow  morning. 

Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  stated  on  behalf  of  Brother  Elani  Horst  that  owing 
to  some  dissatisfaction  in  the  congregation  where  he  had  been  laboring  he 
moved  to  Wolftrap,  Va.,  and  conference  being  presented  with  a  letter  and 
certificate  showing  that  the  matters  of  dissatisfaction  have  been  adjusted  by  a 
committee,  under  the  authority  and  to  the  satisfaction  of  his  former  bishop, 
and  now  this  conference  is  asked  to  allow  him  to  resume  his  ministerial  work 
under  the  jurisdiction  of  this  conference,  which  motion  is  granted. 

Question  I — Would  this  conference  recommend  following  more  closely 
the  example  of  Jesus  in  John  13:4-5  in  the  words  "and  laid  aside  his  garments" 
"and  girded  himself." 

Resolved,  That  we  believe  that  the  method  used  by  this  conference  in  feet 
washing  fully  meets  the  requirements  of  our  Savior,  and  that  the  example 
consists  in  washing  one  another's  feet,  not  in  the  gird  of  the  towel  or  laying 
aside  of  the  garment. 

Conference  closed  to  meet  tomorrow  morning  at  8:30  o'clock  by  prayer, 
the  use  of  hymn  399  and  the  benediction. 

Saturday  Morning  Session 

Conference  met  Saturday  morning  at  8:30  o'clock  and  opened  by  singing 
hymn  No.  75,  "Lord  give  me  light  to  do  thy  will,"  also  No.  203,  "Spirit  so  holy," 
etc.,  by  the  reading  of  the  second  chapter  of  Philippians  by  Bishop  Lewis 
Shank  and  secret  prayer. 

The  moderator  declared  conference  ready  for  business  and  requested 
that  the  unfinished  business  of  yesterday  be  first  taken  up.  It  develops  that  no 
definite  arrangement  for  the  West  Virginia  field  for  the  summer  has  yet  been 
made  and  will  wait  further  developments. 

It  is  now  learned  through  our  Home  Mission  Board  that  the  prospects  of 
stationing  a  brother  in  the  West  Va.  field  after  this  year  is  encouraging  and 
hopeful,  and  it  now  rests  with  this  conference  for  action  in  the  matter;  there- 
fore  be   it 

Resolved,  That  if  no  minister  can  be  found  who  is  willing  to  reside  and 
labor,  for  an  indefinite  time,  in  the  West  Va.  field  of  the  Middle  District,  that  a 
faithful  brother  who  is  willing  be  ordained  to  assist  in  that  work  by  consent  of 
the  church. 

Question  II — Is  it  in  harmony  with  the  teaching  of  the  Scriptures  for  a 
brother,  acting  as  administrator,  to  sue  at  law? 

Resoh'cd,  That  we  repeal  any  liberty  heretofore  granted  to  an  executor 
or  administrator  tO'  sue  at  law  in  settling  up  an  estate,  and  that  we  consider  it 
wrong  to  bring  an  unfriendly  suit  at  law  under  any  circumstances.  See  I  Cor. 
6:1  to  18,  and  Matt.  5:40. 

The  inoderator  announced  the  election  of  conference  officers  for  two  years 
now  in  order,  and  votes  being  taken  for  moderator  and  secretary  resulted  in 
the  choice  of  Christian  Good  for  moderator  and  C.  H.  Brunk  for  secretary; 
and  votes  being  taken  for  an  arranging  committee,  consisting  of  three  members 
of  conference,  one  from  each  district,  resulted  in  the  choice  of  Erasmus  C. 
Shank,  Upper  District,  Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  Middle  District,  and  Jos.  W.  Geil, 
Lower  District. 


102  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

While  the  election  of  conference  officers  was  in  progress  the  congregation 
sang  hj^mn  No.  187. 

The  financial  report  of  the  conference  minute  fund  was  read  and  approved. 

The  secretary's  report  of  the  proceedings  of  this  conference  being  read, 
was  ordered  corrected  and  approved. 

Bishop  Shank  stated  that  according  to  turn  the  next  conference  will  be 
held  at  the  Zion  church  in  his  district  on  the  second  Friday  in  October,  being 
the  ninth  day  of  the  month.  • 

Conference  closed  with  song,  prayer  and  the  benediction. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  members  of  conference  present  at  this  ses- 
sion, viz: 

Bishops: — L.  J.  Heatwole,  Dale  Enterprise,  Va.;  A.  P.  Heatwole,  Waynes- 
boro, Va.,  R.   F.   D.   No.  2;  Lewis   Shank,   Broadway,  Va.,   Box  2. — 3. 

Ministers: — E.  Shank,  Waynesboro,  Va.;  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Mt.  Clinton,  Va.; 
Perry  E.  Shank,  Broadway,  Va.;  J.  H.  Martin,  Waynesboro,  Va.;  J.  S.  Martin, 
Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  5;  Jos.  Shank,  Broadway,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  16; 
Jos.  F.  Heatwole,  Dayton,  Va.;  Joseph  W.  Ceil,  Broadway,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  16;. 
C.  Good,  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  5;  Samuel  H.  Rhodes,  Harrisonburg, 
Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  4;  H.  H.  Good,  South  Boston,  Va.;  A.  Burkholder,  Harrison- 
burg, Va.;  R.  L.  Smith,  Rich  Mountain,  W.  Va.;  Joseph  W.  Coffman,  Dayton, 
Va.;  George  B.  Showalter,  Broadway,  Va.;  Early  Suter,  Harrisonburg,  Va.; 
J.  E.  Hartzler,  East  Lynne,  Mo. ;  Daniel  Shenk,  Mohea,  Warwick  county,  Va. ; 
Etter  Heatwole,  Waynesboro,  Va.;  Amos   D.  Wenger,  Millersville,   Pa. — 20. 

-Deacons: — S.  Ml  Burkholder,  Dale  Enterprise,  Va.;  J.  J.  Wenger,  Linville 
Depot;  Va.;  Elias  Brunk,  Harrisonburg,  Va.;  David  S.  Geil,  Harrisonburg,  Va., 
R.  F.  D.  No.  7;  Jacob  W.  Showalter,  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  5;  Isaac 
Grove,  Weyers  Cave,  Va.;  Henry  Blosser,  Harrisonburg,  Va.;  Fred  Driver, 
Waynesboro,  Va.;  H.  L.  Rhodes,  Auburn,  Fauquier  Co..  Va.;  Timothy  Wenger, 
Waynesboro',  Va. — 10. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  jNlinisters  and  Deacons  23. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  OCTOBER  9th  AND  10th,  1908 

The  Semi-Annual  Conference  of  Virginia  met  at  the  Zion  Church,  Lower 
District,  on  Friday,  October  9,  1908,  and  opened  at  nine  o^clock,  a.  m.,  by  the 
use  of  hymn  377  and  299  from  Church  and  Sunday  School  Hymnal.  Bishop  A. 
P.  Heatwole  read  the  15th  chapter  of  Romans  which  was  followed  by  secret 
prayer. 

C.  H.  Brunk,  Secretary. 

C.  Good,  the  moderator,  read  the  rules  of  conference,  and  conference  be- 
ing ready  for  business,  Bishop  J.  D.  Wert  stated  that  Brother  Isaac  Eby  has" 
moved  into  his  district  and  is  now  a  co-laborer  with  them  as  deacon,  and  asks 
this  conference  to  recognize  his  as  such,  and  that  he  be  enrolled  as  a  member 
of  this  conference.' 

On  motion  the  request  is  granted. 

Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  stated  that  there  has  been  an  urgent  request  that 
another  deacon  be  ordained  in  the  West  Virginia  field,  it  being  one  of  the  last 
requests  of  our  departed  brother,  J.  F.  Heatwole,  who  was  well  acquainted  with 
the  needs  of  that  field,  therefore  he  now  asks  that  conference  grant  the  privil- 
ege of  ordaining  a  deacon  there  as  soon  as  convenient. 
-      .On  motion  the  privilege  is  granted. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  103 

The  moderator  asks  that  a  committee  on  resolutions  be  appointed  for  this 
conference,  whereupon  the  brethren,  S.  M.  Burkholder  and  Fred  Driver,  were 
appointed. 

Whereas,  it  has  been  our  custom  in  conference,  in  times  past,  to  call  on  the 
ministers  for  exhortation  then  the  deacons;  would  not  this  conference  ad- 
vise that  all  be  called  upon  in  their  order,  without  respect  to  their  ofifice? 

On  motion  the  suggested  change  is  approved. 

What  is  the  attitude  of  this  conference  in  regard  to  individual  congrega- 
tions opening  mission  stations  without  the  co-operation  or  consent  of  its  con- 
ference? 

While  waiting  for  a  resolution  the  congregation  sang  hymn  30,  "Holy,  Holy 
Lord  God  Almighty,"  etc. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  conference  that  personal  mission 
work  should  be  encouraged,  but  in  case  a  mission  station  is  to  be  established  the 
consent  of  conference  should   first  be  obtained. 

How  may  we  better  and  more  thoroughly  work  oiir  field,  especially  the 
outside  places? 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  body  that  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Bish- 
ops to  appoint  ministers  and  workers  for  special  mission  work  wherever  and 
whenever  needed. 

Afternoon  session  closed  by  prayer,  song  78,  "Wash  me,  O  Lamb  of  God, 
wash  me  from  sin."  etc.,  and  the  benediction. 

Saturday  Morning  Session 

Moderator  called  meeting  to  order  and  announced  hymn  No.  276,  "O  Christ 
to  Thee  I  Come,"  also  hymn  278,  "I  owe  the  Lord  a  morning  song,"  etc.  Bishop 
J.  D.  Wert  read  nineteen  verses  of  the  fourth  chapter  of  Philippians,  and  after 
some  remarks,  was  followed  by  secret  prayer. 

The  moderator  declared  conference  ready  for  business,  whereupon  the 
following  questions  were  presented  for  consideration. 

How  would  this  conference  advise  the  trustees  of  our  meeting  houses,  in 
extending  liberty  to'  ministers  of  other  denominations  as  to  their  use  for  them- 
selves as  places  of  worship? 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  desire  of  this  conference  to  exercise  consistent 
charity  towards  ministers  of  other  denominations;  but  oyr  experience  has 
taught  us  that  our  trustees  should  not  open  our  houses  to  others  for  the  pur- 
pose of  holding  regular  meetings,  continued  meetings,  or  for  preaching  doc- 
trines contrary  to  that  which  we  believe,  and  even  ignore  the  doctrines  we 
profess  and  teach. 

Question — What  steps  would  this  conference  advise  to  be  taken  to  sup- 
press the  tendency  of  members  to  drift  into  worldliness? 

Resolved,  That  we  become  more  diligent  in  carrying  out  the  decisions  of 
former  conferences  in  holding  instruction  meetings,  and  making  annual  visits, 
and  getting  in  close  touch  with  each  other,  talking  more  about  the  evil  of 
worldliness  and  the  blessedness  of  living  consistent,  humble,  consecrated 
Christian  lives,  we  ourselves  being  ensamples  to  the  flock. 

Closed  with  prayer,  song  No.  103  and  the  benediction. 

A.  B.  Burkholder  was  appointed  to  fill  the  unexpired  term  of  Jos.  F.  Heat- 


*Preacher  Jos.    F.    Heatwole   died    September   30th,   previous   to   the   meeting   of  this   conference. 
His  personal  presence  and  familiar  voice  were  sadly  missed. 


104  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

wole,*  deceased,  as  a  member  of  the  arranging  committee  for  Middle  District. 

The  time  and  place  for  holding  the  next  conference  is  Springdale,  Upper 
District,  on  the  second  Friday  in  May,  being  May  14,  1909. 

The  financial  report  and  conference  minutes  being  read  and  approved,  con- 
ference adjourned  with  prayer,  song  No.  103  and  the  benediction,  to  be  followed 
by  an  afternoon  preparatory,  baptismal  and  ordination  service. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  members  of  conference  present  at  this  ses- 
sion, viz: 

Bishops:— L.  J.  Heatwole,  Dale  Enterprise,  Va.;  A.  P.  Heatwole,  Waynes- 
boro, Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  2;  Lewis  Shank,  Broadway,  Va.;  J.  Wert,  Hearing,  Va. 
—4.  ' 

*Ministers:— E.  Shank,  J.  H.  Martin,  Etter  Heatwole,  Waynesboro,.  Va.j 
Perry  E.  Shank,  Jos.  Shank,  R.  F.  D.  No.  16,  Joseph  W.  Geil,  R.  F.  D.  No.  16, 
George  B.  Sho waiter,  Broadway,  Va.;  J.  S.  Martin,  R.  F.  D.  No.  5,  C.  Good, 
R.  F.  D.  No.  5,  Samuel  H.  Rhodes,  R.  F.  D.  No.  4,  A.  Burkholder,  Harrison- 
burg, Va.;  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Mt.  Clinton,  Va.;  Joseph  W.  Coffman,  Dayton,  Va.; 
Elam  Horst,  Wolftrap,  Va.;  Jacob  A.  Heatwole,  ,  Colo.— 15. 

Deacons:— S.  M.  Burkholder,  Dale  Enterprise,  Va.;  J.  J.  Wenger,  Linville 
Depot,  Va.;  Elias  Brunk,  David  S.  Geil,  R.  F.  D.  No.  7,  Jacob  W.  Showalter,  R. 
F.   D.   No.   5,    Henry   Blosser,    Harrisonburg,   Va.;    Fred    Driver,   Waynesboro, 

Va.;    Christian    Eversole,   ^,    Va.;   Jacob    Geil,    Edom,    Va.;    Christim 

Shank,  Singers  Glen,  Va.— 10. 

Total  number  of   Bishops,   Ministers  and   Deacons  29. 

CONFERENCE   MINUTES  FOR  MAY   14th  AND   15th,   1909 

The  Semi-Annual  Conference  of  Virginia  met  at  the  Spring  Dale  Church, 
Upper  District,  May  14th,  1909,  and  opened  at  nine  o'clock  a.  m.  by  the  singing 
of  hymns  377  and  114.  In  the  absence  of  the  Secretary,  S.  M.  Burkholder  was 
chosen  Secretary,  Pro  Tem.  Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  read  the  71st  Psalm,  which 
Tvas  followed  by  secret  prayer. 

Christian  Good,  the  moderator,  then  read  the  rules  of  conference. 

Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  extended  an  invitation  to  all  ministers  and  deacons 
present  to  take  part  in  the  conference  exercises. 

Brother  Isaac  Eby  said  they  held  their  council  meetings  in  Norfolk  county, 
Va.  Peace  and  union  were  unanimously  expressed.  He  said  they  now  had  in 
their   colony   38   members   and   seven   applicants   for   baptism. 

Brother  I.  D.  Hertzler,  of  Warwick  county,  Va.,  said  they  held  their  council 
meetings  and  peace  and  union  were  almost  wholly  expressed.  They  had  at 
present  one  applicant  for  baptism. 

Brother  Elam  Horst,  of  Halifax  County,  Va.,  said  they  held  their  council 
meetings.  Peace  was  unanimously  expressed.  They  received  since  last  con- 
ference nine  members  by  letter,  eight  by  baptism  and  have  a  total  membership 

of  34. 

The  Brethren,  Jos.  Wert  and  Timothy  Wenger,  of  Norfolk,  Va.,  H.  U 
Rhodes  and  E.  J.  Berkey,  of  Fauquier,  Va.,  and  Henry  Keener,  Robert  Smith  and 
Osborne  Wyatt,  of  West  Virginia,  all  members  of  this  conference,  sent  greet- 
ings of  love  and  good  will. 

The  following  are  some  of  the  remarks  made  by  ministers  and  deacons: 

*Preacher    Henry   H.    Good    died    suddenly    at   his   home    in    Halifax    Co.,   Va.,    on    the    10th   of 
October,  the  date  on  which  the  second  day's  session  of  this  conference  was  held. 

Preacher  Jacob  R.   Hildebrand  died  on   December  6th,   following  this  conference,  at  this 
ripe  age   of  89   years,    2   months  and    10    days. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  105 

We.  are  making  a  record  that  will  stand  for  or  against  us. 

As  we  are  entrusted  with  the  Gospel,  let  us  speak  not  as  pleasing  men,  but 
as  pleasing  God. 

It  is  our  individual  duty  to  labor  in  our  special  calling. 

We  have  all  had  bitter  experiences  by  not  following  the  examples  of  those 
who  have  gone  before  us. 

Our  chief  joy  should  be  to  know  that  our  names  are  written  in  the  book 
of  life. 

If  I  have  ever  felt  the  power  of  prayer  it  has  been  since  our  last  con- 
ference. 

If  we  wish  to  retain  a  high  standard  in  the  church  we  (the  leaders)  must 
be  true  and  faithful. 

It  does  not  depend  so  much  on  what  we  wish  to  do,  but  what  we  do  for 
the  Lord  Jesus. 

After  sixteen  ministers  and  seven  deacons  had  spoken,  Conference  ad- 
journed for  dinner,  after  engaging  in  secret  prayer  and  singing  Hymn  No.  52. 

Afternoon  session  opened  at  1:15  o'clock  with  singing  Hymn  No.  123. 
Bishop  Lewis  Shank  read  the  third  chapter  of  Ephesians,  which  was  followed 
with  secret  prayer.  The  moderator  then  declared  the  Conference  ready  for 
business. 

J.  S.  Martin  and  Fred  Driver  were  appointed  a  committee  on  resolutions. 

Question  I — Bishop  Lewis  Shank  asked  permission  of  conference  to  ordain 
one  or  two  ministers  in  their  mountain  territory.  Granted. 

,  Question  II — What  is  the  difference,  if  any,  between  members  who,  on 
account  of  transgressions  are  kept  from  communion,  and  such  as  have  been 
expelled  or  published  as  being  no  longer  members. 

Resolved,  There  is  a  difference.  The  first  is  unfinished  work,  the  last  is 
finished. 

Question  III — Elam  Horst,  of  Halifax  County,  Va.,  asked  the  privilege 
of  ordaining  a  minister  and  deacon  in  their  congregation.  The  privilege  was 
granted. 

Question  IV — What  way  or  ways  will  this  conference  devise  to  build  up 
our  weak  and  unattended  places  of  worship. 

Resolved,  That  we  answer  this  question  with  the  second  resolution  of  our 
last  conference.  It  is  the  sense  of  this  body  that  it  is  the  duty  of  the  bishops 
to  appoint  ministers  and  workers  for  special  mission  work  wherever  and  when- 
ever needed. 

Afternoon  session  closed  with  prayer,  singing  hymn  No.  62  and  benedic- 
tion. 

Second  Day 

Saturday  morning  conference  opened  at  8:30  o'clock  by  singing  hymns 
No.  277  and  278,  the  reading  of  the  fourth  chapter  of  First  Corinthians  and 
prayer.     The  moderator  then  declared  conference  ready  for  business. 

Question  V — How  often  -should  the  Holy  Kiss  or  Kiss  of  Charity  be  ob- 
served as  commanded  by  the  apostles  Paul  and  Peter. 

As  God's  word  enjoins  the  observation  of  the  Holy  Kiss  among  brethren 
without  specifying  the  time,  when  and  how  often  it  should  be  observed,  we 
should  do  it  whenever  and  wherever  practicable  to  apply  its  meaning. 

Question  VI — As  our  Church  publications  now  belong  to  the  Church  and 


■fib6  'VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

are  managed  by  the  Publication  Board,  should  not  this  conference  appoint  a 
brother  as  a  member  of  said  Board  to  represent  the  Virginia  Conference. 

Resolved,     That  this  conference  elect  a  member  on  the  Publication  Board, 

Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  was  elected. 

Question  VII — The  Warwick-Norfolk  congregations  asked  that  conference 
be  held  in  their  district  occasionally.     The  request  was  granted. 

The  next  conference  will  be  held  at  the  Bank  Church,  Middle  District, 
October  8th  and  9th,  1909. 

The  minutes  of  the  present  conference  were  then  read  and  accepted,  after 
which   conference   adjourned  with   prayer   and    singing   hymn    No.    1. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  members  attending  this  conference  and  their 
addresses: 

Bishops:— A.  P.  Heatwole,  Waynesboro,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  2;  L.  J.  Heat- 
wole, Dale  Enterprise,  Va.;  Lewis  Shank,  Broadway,  Va. — 3. 

*Ministers:^E.  C.  Shank,  Etter  Heatwole,  Waynesboro,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No> 
2;  Perry  E.  Shank,  Jos.  Shank,  Jos.  Geil,  Broadway,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  16; 
George  B.  Showalter,  Broadway,  Va.;  A.  B.  Burkholder,  Harrisonburg,  Va.; 
Sem  S.  Weaver,  Mt.  Clinton,  Va.;  Samuel  H.  Rhodes,  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F. 
D.  No.  4;  J.  Early  Suter,  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  4;  C.  Good,  J.  S. 
Martin,  Dayton,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  2;  Jos.  W.  Coffman,  Dayton,  Va.,  R.  F.  D. 
No.  1;  Elam  Horst,  Wolftrap,  Va.;  I.  D.  Hertzler,  Denbigh,  Va.;  Daniel 
Stump,  Hanover,  Pa. — 16. 

Deacons: — Fred  Driver,  Waynesboro,  Va.;  Isaac  Groves,  Weyers  Cave^ 
Va.;  Elias  Brunk,  Henry  Blosser,  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  5;  Isaac 
Eby,  Fentress,  Va.;  Christian  Ebersole,  Strasburg,  Va.;  S.  M.  Burkholder,, 
Dale   Enterprise,  Va. — 7. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  26. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  OCTOBER  8th  AND  9th,  1909 

Pursuant  to  announcement,  the  Semi-Annual  Conference  of  Virginia  met 
at  the  Bank  Church,  Middle  District,  on  the  8th  day  of  October,  1909,  and 
opened  at  nine  o'clock,  a.  m.  by  singing  hymns  377  and  372  from  Church  and 
Sunday  School  Hymnal,  the  reading  of  the  fourth  chapter  of  Ephesians  by 
Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  and  secret  prayer. 

The  rules  of  conference  were  read  by  the  moderator.  Christian  Good. 

C.  H.  Brunk,  Secretary. 

Conference  was  now  addressed,  first  by  the  bishops  present  in  the  follow- 
ing order:  A.  P.  Heatwole,  Lewis  Shank,  L.  J.  Heatwole  and  Benjamin 
Weaver  and  then  by  ministers  and  deacons  present  as  their  names  were  called 
by  Brother  Fred  Driver.  In  these  addresses  the  theme  spoken  upon  chiefly, 
was  the  importance  of  conference  work — the  need  of  more  activity  in  the 
Christian  life.  The  fact  was  emphasized  that  the  essential  principal  of  Chris- 
tian work  is  LOVE,  love  to  God  and  love  to  our  fellow  man. 

The  remarkable  love,  faith,  courage  and  endurance  of  Nehemiah,  in  the 
face  of  discouragements,  trials  and  difficulties  in  rebuilding  the  walls  of  the 
temple  at  Jerusalem  was  presented  as  an  object  lesson  to  us  when  subjected  to 
trials    and   discouragements   in   our   Christian   work   of   today.     The   throwing 


•Preacher  Jacob  Martin  died  at  his  home  near  Springdale  Church  in  Augusta  County,  Virginia, 
ten  days  before  the  conference  assembled  at  that  place.  His  departure  caused  a  vacancy 
that  was  painfully  felt  during  the  session  of  this  conference. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUT,ES^  ^t 

down  of  the  walls  of  the  temple  was  represented  as  an  emblem  of  sin,  and  be^. 
fore  Nehemiah  could  again  rebuild  these  walls,  much  preparation  was-.n^ce?^-: 
sary,  much  rubbish  to  be  cleared  away,  efficient  help  to  be  enlisted,  and  some 
definite  plan  as  to  how  best  overcome  the  difficulties  they  would  encounter.,^  . 

Nehemiah  trusted  God  to  prosper  the  work,  and  he  knew  with  God  on  his 
side  the  work  could  not  fail.  God's  help  is  a  sure  guarantee  against  failure  in 
all  faithful  efforts  in  battling  against  sin  and  opposition. 

We  are  living  in  an  age  of  trials  and  temptations,  but  if  we,  like  Nehemiah 
and  his  associates,  have  a  mind  to  work,  the  broken  down  walls  by  sin  may 
again  be  restored.  Nehemiah  encouraged  and  pushed  the  work,  though  it  was 
necessary  to  have  trowel  and  sword  in  hand  at  the  same  time. 

The  fact  that  man  was  lost  in  sin  and  found  again  in  Christ  should  forever 
be  a  source  of  gratitude  on  our  part.  It  makes  our  life  important,  not  from  a 
selfish  view  for  our  own  sakes  only,  but  for  the  good  we  may  be  to  others,  for 
being  saved  ourselves  we  may  be  the  means  of  saving  others. 

One  of  the  secrets  of  Christian  strength  is  to  keep  our  eyes  constantly  on 
Jesus.  Peter,  seeing  Jesus,  felt  strong  enough  to  come  to  him  on  the  waters, 
but  turning  his  eyes  he  looked  with  fright  upon  the  billows  and  by  it  lost  sight 
of  Jesus  and  came  near  sinking. 

We  should  set  our  mark  high  in  our  ideal  of  the  Christian  life,  and  strive 
to  attain  to  it. 

Forbearance  is  sometimes  a  virtue.  By  contending  too  strongly  to  have 
things  our  way  we  may  hinder  or  destroy  much  good.  We  have  all  we  can  do 
to  strive  against  sin  without  striving  against  each  other. 

This  conference  is  primarily  a  Virginia  conference,  but  we  are  a  repre- 
sentative body,  and  seeing  before  us  faces  from  Missouri,  Illinois,  Indiana, 
Ohio,  West  Virginia,  Pennsylvania  and  Virginia,  we  feel  that  the  occasion  is 
magnified  and  trust  we  will  be  together  in  mutual  love  and  fellowship.  We 
feel  to  express  a  hearty  welcome  to  all.  We  feel  to  quote  Paul's  language  in 
his  second  epistle  to  the  Philippians  where  he  says  "fulfill  ye  my  joy,  that  ye 
be  likeminded,  having  the  same  love,  being  of  one  accord,  of  one  mind.  Let 
nothing  be  done  through  strife  or  vain  glory;  but  in  lowliness  of  mind  let  each 
esteem  others  better  than  themselves." 

Afternoon  Session 

The  afternoon  session  opened  by  using  hymn  352,  "There's  No'  Friend 
Like  the  Lowly  Jesus,  etc.,"  also  hymn  101,  "Any  Where  My  Savior  Leads, 
etc.,"  the  reading  of  the  23th  Psalm  by  Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  and  prayer. 

The  moderator  declared  conference  ready  for  business  and  asked  that  a 
committee  on  resolutions  be  appointed,  whereupon  the  bishops  appointed  the 
brethren  S.  M.  Burkholder  and  Fred  Driver  as  such  committee  for  the  present 
conference. 

The  moderator  asked  the  bishops  to  present  any  matters  they  may  have 
for  consideration  at  this  time,  whereupon  Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  asked  which 
is  most  in  gospel  order  at  Communion,  to  take  one  piece  or  a  quantity  of  bread 
in  hand,  while  invoking  the  blessing  before  distributing  the  same?  Scriptural 
quotations  were  made — opinions  expressed  in  the  light  of  the  Scriptures,  and 
the  consensus  of  opinion,  as  expressed,  was  that  it  should  be  left  optional  with 
the  one  who  invokes  the  blessing. 

Question  I — Would  not  this  conference  think  it  expedient  to  strike  oflf 
from  the  rules  of  conference  the  latter  clause  of  Section  6?    On  motion  it  is 


108  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

resolved  that  Conference   Rules  be   amended   by  striking  out   from   Section  6 
the  words,  "if  there  be  no  objections." 

Question  II — Would  conference  favor  being  in  session  longer,  allowing 
for  a  conference  sermon,  and  the  discussion  of  more  Scriptural  subjects. 

Awaiting  a  resolution  conference  sang  hymn  141,  "There  is  a  Land  of 
Pure  Delight,   etc." 

Resolved,  That  the  sessions  of  conference  be  confined  to  the  time  now 
used  and  as  much  of  that  time  given  to  direct  Scriptural  discussions  as  possi- 
ble. 

Question  III — Would  not  this  conference  advise  that  teachers  in  Sunday- 
School  be  reminded  by  the  superintendent  to  avoid  speaking  in  a  tone  that  is 
louder  than  necessary  for  their  own  classes  to  hear  them  distinctly. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  advisable. 
An  application. — The  Warwick  river  congregation  asks  that  the  next  session 
of  Conference  be  held  in  their  church  house  in  Warwick  county. 

Resolved,  That  the  next  conference  be  held  at  the  Warwick  river  church 
bouse,  on  Friday,  May  13th,  being  the  second  Friday  in  May,   1910. 

Question  IV — In  the  amendment  of  Section  6  of  the  rules  of  this  conference 
would  this  conference  advise  that  a  given  majority  rule,  unless  deemed  ad- 
visable other  wise  especially  important  questions  only  as  needs  may  require. 
■Question  continued  until  tomorrow. 

Preaching  announced  for  the  evening. 

On  motion  conference  adjourned  by  prayer,  song  and  the  benediction. 

Saturday  Morning  Session 

Saturday  morning  session  opened  at  8:30  o'clock  by  singing  hymns  Nos.  234 
and  250,  followed  by  the  reading  of  the  first  chapter  of  I  Peter  by  Bishop  Benja- 
min Weaver  and  silent  prayer. 

The   moderator    declared    conference   ready   for   business. 

The  bishop  having  nothing  to  present  for  consideration  at  this  time,  and 
the  question  continued  from  yesterday  having  been  withdrawn  by  the  author, 
the  following  question  was  presented: 

Question  V — What  would  this  conference  advise  as  being  the  best  means 
of  reviving  and  increasing  the  interest  in  our  Sunday  School  and  young  peo- 
ple's meetings.  This  conference  would  advise  that  the  ministers  and  teachers 
should  allow  themselves  to  be  more  spirit  filled,  converse  more  about  spiritual 
things  in  the  presence  of  the  children  and  young  people  and  that  they  and  the 
parents  of  the  children  be  more  punctual  in  attending  these  meetings  and  see- 
ing that  their  children  are  there,  and  on  good  time,  and  that  they  conduct 
themselves  in  a  proper  manner,  encouraging  them  when  they  do  well,  and  kind- 
ly reproving  in  the  spirit  of  meekness  when  they  are  careless  and  tardy.  Rev. 
22:6;  Ephesians  6:4. 

Brother  D.  F.  Driver  here  gave  a  talk  outlining  the  ideas,  object  and 
workings  of  the  General  Conference,  which  was  followed  by  D.  H.  Coflfman  on 
the  same  subject. 

By  request  hymn  322  was  sung,  "Tis  Hard  to  Bear  the  Heavy  Load,  etc.," 
The  business  portion  of  conference  being  over,  the  19th  and  21st  verses  of 
the  third  chapter  of  1st  Peter  were  read  as  a  topic  for  consideration,  and  after 
an  exchange  of  various  useful  thoughts,  the  18th  verse  of  the  18th  chapter  of 
Matthew  was  also  read  and  commented  upon,  apparently  to  the  interest  and 
profit  of  all  present. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES,  109 

The  minutes  of  conference  being  read,  a  closing  address  was  made  by 
Bishop  Benjamin  Weaver,  in  whi'ch  he  extended  a  greeting  of  love  and  good 
will  to  the  brotherhood  from  his  home  congregation. 

Conference  closed  with  a  benediction. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  members  attending  this  conference  and  their 
addresses: 

Bishops: — Benj.  Weaver,  Spring  Grove,  Pa.;  A.  P.  Heatwole,  Waynesboro,. 
Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  2;  L.  J.  Heatwole,  Dale  Enterprise,  Va.;  Lewis  Shank,  Broad- 
way, Va. — 4. 

Ministers: — E.  C.  Shank,  Etter  Heatwole,  Waynesboro,  Va.,  R.  F.  D. 
No.  2;  Perry  E.  Shank,  Jos.  Shank,  Jos.  Geil,  Broadway,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  16; 
George  B.  Showalter,  Broadway,  Va.;  A.  B.  Burkholder,  Harrisonburg,  Va.; 
Sem  S.  Weaver,  Mt.  Clinton,  Va.;  Samuel  H.  Rhodes,  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R. 
F.  D.  No.  4;  J.  Early  Suter,  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  4;  C.  Good,  J.  S. 
Martin,  Dayton,  Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  2;  Jos.  W.  Cofifman,  Dayton,  Va.,  R.  F.  D. 
No.  1;  Elam  Horst,  Wolf  trap,  Va.;  Daniel  F.  Driver,  Versailles,  Mo.;  Henry 
Keener,  Job,   W.  Va.;   Robert  Smith,   Rich   Mountain,   W.  Va. — 17. 

Deacons: — Fred  Driver,  Waynesboro,  Va.;  Henry  Blosser,  Harrisonburg, 
Va.,  R.  F.  D.  No.  5;  Christian  Ebersole,  Strasburg,  Va.;  S.  M.  Burkholder, 
Diale  Enterprise,  Va.;  Timothy  Wenger,  Fentress,  Va.;  Daniel  H.  Cofifman, 
Goshen,   Ind.;   Robert  Henderson,  Sharando,  Va. — 7. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  28. 

CONFERENCE  MINUTES  FOR  MAY  13th  AND  14th,  1910 

The  Semi-Annual  Conference  of  Virginia  met  at  the  Warwick  River 
Church  in  Warwick  County,  Va.,  May  13th,  1910. 

Conference  opened  at  nine  o'clock  by  singing  hymn  No.  377.  In  the  ab- 
sence of  the  secretary,  S.  M.  Burkholder  was  elected  secretary  pro  tem.  Bishop 
A.  P.  Heatwole  read  the  first  chapter  of  Philippians,  which  was  followed  by 
silent  prayer. 

The  moderator  then  read  the  rules  of  conference. 

Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  spoke  in  part  as  follows: 

We  greet  you  all  in  the  name  of  our  Lord  and  Master  who  hath  wrought 
justification,  sanctification  and  redemption  through  which  we  are  enabled  to 
take  a  hopeful  view  of  life.  When  we  meet  in  a  conference  capacity,  we  are 
always  gladdened  in  our  hearts  for  the  association  it  brings  unto  us.  We  then 
have  time  to  ponder  over  the  deliberations  of  the  past  conferences  and  rejoice 
in  the  advent  of  the  future  conferences.  In  all  the  history  of  our  conference 
for  75  years  there  has  not  been  one  held  outside  of  the  valley  of  Virginia. 

The  demand  for  earnest  work  is  increasing  rapidly,  and  it  is  for  this  con- 
ference to  meet  the  conditions  the  work  brings  upon  us.  The  conference  has 
a  right  to  commend  rules  for  the  regulation  of  the  church.  Each  measure 
presented  should  be  considered  in  a  righteous  and  godly  spirit.  I  feel  to  give 
part  of  the  time  allotted  to  me  to  others. — We  have  held  our  council  meetings 
and  also  made  a  generel  visit,  in  which  nearly  all  of  our  members  were  seen, 
and  the  results  were  gratifying  and  encouraging.  Meetings  have  been  held  with 
good  results  along  the  border  lines.  Seventy  two  members  were  received 
by  baptism,  five  by  confession,  fifteen  moved  in,  making  a  gain  of  92.  Loss 
by  death,  seven;  withdrawn,  six;  moved  out,  ten;  total  loss,  23.  Net  gain,  69. 
Present  membership,    581,   and    12  applicants   at  present. 

Bishop  A.  P.  Heatwole  then  spoke  in  part  as  follows: 


110  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

We  can  also  say  we  are  glad  that  we  have  been  spared  to  this  conference 
"season.  We  can  see  how  gracious  God  has  been  to  us.  Our  desire  is  to  talk 
in  a  way  that  we  may  all  be  encouraged  and  built  up.  We  desire  that  God's 
presence  and  Spirit  should  be  with  us.  I  have  been  thinking  of  the  great 
•calling  Christ  gave  to  His  disciples.  When  He  appeared  on  the  shores  of 
•Galilee,  and  called  some  of  the  fishermen  to  become  fishers  of  men,  how  willing 
they  were  to  follow  Him.  When  He  met  His  disciples  on  the  ship  and  told 
them  where  to  cast  the  net,  they  were  ready  to  follow  His  directions  and  they 
had  a  wonderful  catch  by  being  obedient.  Christ  taught  the  disciples  whom  He 
called  to  do  the  work  of  apostles.  As  Hs  called  the  disciples  He  calls  us. 
Have  we  been  willing  to  follow  Him  courageously  and  fearlessly,  or  have  we 
heen  trembling  with  fear  on  account  of  the  trials,  difficulties  and  dangers  which 
threaten  us?  Many  people  do  not  like  to  hear  sound  doctrine,  but  we  should 
not  fear  to  present  the  truth,  which  will  make  us  free.  When  Peter  trusted  in 
his  own  strength,  he  did  not  know  himself.  Though  he  promised  to  defend  his 
Master  in  the  trying  hour,  he  failed.  The  Lord  knew  what  would  happen  and 
when  He  cast  His  eye  on  him  it  caused  him  to  weep  bitterly.  His  experience 
did  him  good.  The  Lord  accepted  him  again.  I  fear  we  sometimes  go  fishing, 
and  catch  nothing  because  we  go  in  our  own  strength  and  the  Lord  is  not  with 
us.  Let  us  cast  the  net  as  the  Lord  directs  and  we  will  be  successful.  Christ 
/after  his  resurrection  prepared  a  meal  for  His  disciples  and  told  them  to  come 
•and  dine.  He  has  also  prepared  a  meal  for  us  and  calls  us  to  come  and  dine. 
Peter  denied  his  Lord  three  times  and  again  confessed  Him  three  times.  Then 
the  Lord  told  him  to  feed  His  sheep,  and  lambs.  If  we  have  the  love  for 
Christ  Peter  had,  nothing  will  be  too  hard  for  us  to  do  for  His  sake. — Our 
council  meetings  have  been  held.  Peace  and  a  desire  to  commune  was  un- 
animously expressed. 

Bishop  Lewis  Shank  said: 

We  are  glad  for  the  Word  our  heavenly  Father  has  given  us  through 
which  we  may  be  enabled  to  express  a  oneness  in  our  Lord.  There  is  a  scrip- 
ture now  comes  to  my  mind,  "No  man  that  warreth  entangleth  himself  with 
the  a'fifairs  of  this  world."  This  scripture  is  applicable  to  all  and  more  especial- 
ly to  those  who  are  ministers  and  leaders  in  the  church.  No  one  can  gO'  fast 
when  he  is  entangled  either  temporally  or  spiritually.  We  should  not  suffer 
the  things  of  the  world  to  entangle  us  and  cause  us  to  come  short  of  our  duty. 
-Let  nothing  cause  us  to  neglect  the  things  which  will  please  our  heavenly 
'Father.  We  notice  in  the  fishermen  of  Galilee  a  readiness  to  follow  Christ. 
iSometimes  much  is  lost  to  us  by  not  being  ready  to  follow  where  He  would 
.have  us  go.  We  all  need  each  other's  prayers.  Let  us  not  forget  one  another 
at  the  throne  of  grace. — In  our  council  meetings  peace  and  a  desire  to  commune 
'has. been  fully  expressed. 

Bishop  Jos.  Wert  then  spoke: 

Greeting  of  love  to  all.  With  the  Psalmist  we  can  say,  "The  Lord  has  done 
great  things  for  us,  whereof  we  are  glad."  We  have  great  reason  to  be  glad 
that  we  can  again  meet  in  conference.  Hope  God  will  give  grace  for  the  occa- 
sion. We  should  be  workers  together  with  Him.  The  people  in  the  different 
epochs  of  the  world  ofttimes  forgot  God  and  wandered  far  away  from  Him, 
but  He  was  always  ready  to  receive  them  when  they  returned.  Since  our  re- 
quest has  been  granted  to'  have  conference  here,  and  have  the  brethren  and 
sisters  with  us,  we  have  been  pleased  to  think  of  the  time  when  we  could  be- 
hold the  faces  of  many  and  become  workers  together.  We  then  ascribe  all 
to  the  goodness  of  God  who  will  bless  our  efforts  for  the  good  of  the  church. 
We  are  glad  to  know  that,  when  we  fail,  God  is  willing  to  forgive.     We  feel 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  -lU 

that  it  is  the  love  of  Christ  that  constrained  you  to  corne  into  our  midst  to 
hold  his  canference.  Then  let  us  be  workers  together  and  abor  to  bring  about 
th     on  ness  which  has  been  spoken  of  by  the  brethren    Let  us  all  have  the 

ame  mi"d  that  is  the  mind  of  Christ.  When  we  are  called  to  go  where  there 
arHnTy  a  few  members,  let  us  not  hesitate  to  go.  Let  us  work  together  ^v,h 
Christ  [he  Head.  When  we  are  called  to  go  through  the  deep  waters  He  w  II 
be  :hh  tl  Let  us  be  wilHng  to  make  the  sacrifices  -"^^^^^^^  J^^^^^^,^ 
work  Satan  works  in  dififerent  ways  and  forms,  in  different  places.  Let 
r  stand  on  the  true  foundation  which  can  not  be  moved.  AH  should  labor 
Z  to  respective  spheres.  Much  spurious  and  wrong  doctrine  has  been 
broS  to  b'ear  on  the  minds  of  the  people.  Special  effort  is  needed  to  meet 
and  ?efute  such  doctrine  with  the  Word.-Our  council  meetings  were  held. 
Peace  and  a  desire  to  commune -were  expressed.  Two  have  been  received  into 
the  church  by  baptism.  Twenty-one  moved  in.  Lost  one  by  death.  We  have 
a  membership  of  63  with  11  applicants. 

Bishop  George  R.  Brunk  spoke  in  part  as  follows: 

I  am  glad  to  meet  with  all  that  are  here!  Nothing  gives  me  more  pleasure 
than  beh.fn  assemblies  whose  object  is  to  labor  for  the  Lord  1  am  glad  fo^ 
the  hear  y  .v^elcome  that  we  have   received  from   the  church  here.  We   want 

o  inc  ease  in  quantity,  and  not  lose  in  quality.  The  command  to  go  into  al  he 
lor  d  nd  preach  the^Gospel  to  every  creature  is  good,  but  we  are  a  so  bidden 
to  "teach  them  to  observe  all  things  which  I  have  commanded  you,     wl  ich    s 

direful  results.  "He  that  doeth  the  will  of  my  father  the  same  is  my  brother, 
etc  "Take  heed  unto  thyself  and  to  the  doctrine."  Two  thmgs  are  necessary. 
Along  with  the  spreading  of  the  work,  let  u.  teach  all  things.  The  simplicity 
of  the  Gospel  should  be  held  up  especially.  We  should  do  all  we  can  or  unity, 
but  should  be  careful  not  to  give  up  the  teaching  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ,  nor 
any  of  \he  teachings  of  the  Bible.  It  is  not  charity  to  give  up  the  doctrme  of 
God  to  compromise  with  the  devil.  It  is  necessary  to  be  right  with  God  in  the 
heart  We  may  measure  up  with  the  teaching  of  the  Bible  in  appearance  and  in 
our  hearts  be  far  from  God.  We  can  easily  "have  a  form  of  godliness  and  deny 
the  power  thereof."  Job  was  a  perfect  man.  He  lived  up  to  the  light  he  had 
having  good  motives,  and  his  face  toward  God  but  yet  he  had  not  "l^Y  lea>-"^f 
the  weakness  of  man  or  the  greatness  of  God.  He  thought  too  much  of  himself. 
May  God  help  us  along  these  lines.  Take  heed  to  thyself.  God  has  given  us  the 
gifts  and  requires  of  us  to  exercise  the  gifts  given  us.  Three  things  are 
especially  needful,  humility,  unselfishness,  and  zeal.  If  we  have  these  thmgs  we 
can  please  God.-Our  council  meetings  were  held.  Peace  and  a  desire  to  com- 
mune were  expressed  with  one  exception. 

Hymn  No.  355  was  then  sung  after  which  the  ministers  and  deacons  spoke 
in  turn. 

Brother    Henry   Keener   stated   that   the    work   in   West   Virginia   is    pro- 
gressing  slowly.    Twelve   members   were   added   to   the  church   last  year.   He 
said    Brother  Smith  sends  greeting  of  love  and  good  will  to  this  conference. 
Brother  Gabriel  Brunk  reported  the  work  in  Halifax  county  as  progressing 
nicely.  They  now  have  50  members.     He  said  the  brethren  Horst  and  Coffman, 
sent  greeting  of  love  to  this  conference. 
Some  other  thoughts  presented  were: 
The  Gospel  is  for  all  the  world,  not  only  for  Mennonite  children.. 


112  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

If  we  would  have  been  able  to  hold  our  children,  we  would  have  great 
numbers  in  the  church  today  that  we  have  not. 

The  power  of  the  church  lies  in  unity  with  God. 

We  feel  not  far  from  home  among  the  brotherhood  here. 

We  want  to  be  at  home  here.  We  want  to  be  at  home  over  yonder. 

We  should  hold  up  the  whole  Gospel  if  ever  we  are  with  those  who  only 
accept  part  or  none  of  it. 

The  Gospel  we  uphold  and  work  for  should  make  us  the  hardest  working 
church  on  the  face  of  the  earth. 

We  should  not  be  strangers  here.  We  should  reach  out  and  let  ourselves 
be  known.  I  do  not  think  any  of  us  are  fully  satisfied  here,  but  we  shall  be 
satisfied  when  we  awake  in  His  likeness. 

We  should  thank  God  for  the  great  privilege  of  preaching  the  Gospel  of 
peace. 

After  five  bishops,  thirteen  ministers  and  nine  deacons  had  spoken,  con- 
ference adjourned  with  silent  prayer  and  singing  hymn  No.  357. 

Friday  Afternoon  Session 

The  afternoon  session  opened  at  1 :30  p.  m.  with  singing  hymn  No.  200,. 
followed  by  reading  a  part  of  the  eighth  chapter  of  Romans,  by  Bishop.  L.  J. 
Heatwole,  and  silent  prayer.  The  moderator  then  declared  conference  ready 
for  business. 

A.  D.  Wenger  and  Daniel  Sliank  were  apointed  a  committee  on  resolutions. 

The  bishops  were  accorded  the  privilege  of  presenting  any  business  they 
had  for  conference. 

Bishop.  A.  P.  Heatwole  presented  a  petition  from  the  church  of  Concord,. 
Tenn.  asking  to  be  admitted  into'  the  Virginia  Conference. 

Resolved,  That  we  welcome  the  little  flock  of  members  at  Concord,  Tenn., 
into  our  conference,  providing  that  a  majority  of  two  thirds  of  the  members  are 
in  favor  of  it,  and  they  are  willing  to  comply  with  the  regulations  of  this  con- 
ference. 

Question  I — To  what  extent  can  our  members  consistently  hold  worldly 
offices?  IH 

In  the  light  of  the  scripture,  Rom.  13:4,  "He  is  the  minister  of  God  to  thee 
for  good,"  compared  with  the  scripture,  "My  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world," 
John  18:36. 

Resolved,  That  we  cannot  serve  in  any  office  where  duties  cannot  be  dis- 
charged without  violating  some  form  of  Gospel  principles,  such  as  administer- 
ing the  oath,  using  force,  or  being  unequally  yoked  together  with  unbelievers,. 
etc. 

Question  II — Is  it  in  full  accord  with  Gospel  teaching,  and  consistent 
with  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  church,  for  such  of  its  members  who  are 
really  the  Lord's  poor,  to  become  inmates  of  the  county  alms-house? 

Resolved,  That  while  there  might  be  exceptions,  yet  in  general  we  strong- 
ly recommend  that  the  church  provide  for  her  own  poor. 

Conference  then  adjourned  with  silent  prayer  and  singing  hymn  No.  241. 

Saturday  Morning  Session 

Conference  opened  Saturday  morning  at  8:30  a.  m.  with  singing  hymn  No.. 
76,  followed  by  the  reading  of  part  of  the  third  chapter  of  Colossians  by  Lewis 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES  ^1^ 

Shank  and  silent  prayer.  The  moderator  declared  conference  rea.<iy.  for. , busi- 
ness. ,  . 

Bishop  L.  J.  Heatwole  asked  permission  to  ordain  one  or  two  ministers  ill 
the  Middle  District. 

The  request  was  granted. 

Bishop  Jos.  Wert  asked  that  Bishop  Geo.  R.  Brunk  be  accepted  by  the 
Virginia  conference  as  a  bishop  and  member  of  conference,  and  placed  in 
'Charge   of   tbe   Warwick   River   congregation. 

The  request  was  granlied. 

Question  III — What  is  the  mind  of  this  conference  in  regard  to  the  re- 
ligious observance  of  Christmas,  Good  Friday  and  Ascension   Day? 

Resolved,     That  it  is  the  mind  of  this  conference  to   observe   Christmas, , 
Good  Friday  and  Ascension  Day,  by  holding  divine  services,  but  not  to  make 
it  obligatory. 

Question  IV — What  is  the  sentiment  of  this  conference  in  regard  to  an 
annual  Sunday  school  conference  for  this  conference  district? 

Resolved,  That  this  conference  favors  the  holding  of  local  Sunday  school 
•conference  and  gives  permission  to  hold  such  conferences  in  connection  with 
the  regular  church  conference  when  desired  by  the  local  district  in  which  the 
church  conference  is  held. 

Question  V — Would  it  not  be  well  to  have  our  conference  minutes  printed 
in  pamphlet  form  suitable  for  general  distribution  in  the  brotherhood? 

Resolved,  That  the  minutes  of  the  Virginia  conference  from  the  date  of 
1835  to  the  present  date  be  put  in  pamphlet  form  for  general  distribution 
among  the  brotherhood  and  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  attend  to  the 
publication  of  the  same. 

Question  VI — As  there  are  now  more  bishop  distrjtcts  in  the  Virginia  con- 
ference, should  not  the  Warwick  River  congregation  and  the  Norfolk  congrega- 
tion each  be  entitled  to  a  representative  in  the  committee  on  arrangements? 

Resolved,     That  they  should. 

The  term  of  the  conference  officers,  etc.,  having  expired,  the  following 
"were  elected  to  serve  for  the  next  two  years: 

C.  Good,  Moderator.    C.  H.  Brunk,  Secretary. 

Arranging  Committee. — Daniel  Shank,  Warwick  River  District;  A.  D. 
Wenger,  Norfolk  District;  Erasmus  C.  Shank,  Upper  District;  A.  B.  Burk- 
liolder,    Middle    District,    and   Jos.   W.    Geil,    Lower    District. 

P.  S.  Hartman  was  elected  member  of  the  General  Board  of  Missions  and 
Charities. 

L.  J.  Heatwole,  C.  Good  and  C.  H.  Brunk  were  elected  a  committee  to 
arrange  for  and  have  printed,  conference  minutes,  as  provided  for  under  ques- 
tion five  of  this  conference. 

The  place  of  meeting  for  the  Fall  conference  will  be  at  Zion  Church, 
Lower  District,  on  October  14  and  15,  1910. 

The  minutes  of  the  present  conference  being  read  and  approved,  confer- 
ence adjourned  with  prayer,  song  and  the  benediction. 

The   following  members   of   conference   were   in   attendance. 

Bishops: — Joseph  Wert,  Fentress,  Va.;  A.  P.  Heatwole,  Waynesboro,  Va.; 
L.  J.  Heatwole,  Dale  Enterprise,  Va.;  Lewis  Shank,  Broadway,  Va.;  Geo'.  R, 
Brunk,  Denbigh,  Va. — 5. 


114  VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 

Ministers: — A.  D.  Wenger,  Fentress,  Va.;  E.  C.  Shank,  Waynesboro,  Va.; 
A.  B.  Burkholder,  Harrisonburg,  Va.;  Jos.  W.  Geil,  Broadway,  Va.;  H.  B. 
Keener,  Job,  W.  Va.;  S.  H.  Rhodes,  Harrisonburg,  Va.;  Jos.  W.  Coffman,  Day- 
ton, Va.;  Perry  E.  Shank,  Broadway,  Va.;  Gabriel  Brunk,  Wolftrap,  Va.;  Jos. 
Shank,  Broadway,  Va.;  I.  D.  Hartzler,  Denbigh,  Va.;  Daniel  Shank,  Denbigh, 
Va.;  C.  Good,  Harrisonburg,  Va.;  Jacob  Hahn,  Mohea,  Va. — 14. 

Deacons: — A.  P.  Shank,  Mohea,  Va.;  Henry  Blosser,  Harrisonburg,  Va.; 
Isaac  Eby,  Fentress,  Va.;  G.  W.  Henderson,  Sherando,  Va.;  T.  J.  Wenger,  Fen- 
tress, Va.;  Elias  Brunk,  Harrisonburg,  Va.;  Christian  Ebersole,  Riverton,  Va.; 
Jacob  W.  Showalter,  Harrisonburg,  Va.;  S.  M.  Burkholder,  Dale  Enterprise. 
—9. 

Total    number    of    Bishops,    Ministers    and    Deacons    28. 

Members  who'  were  absent  from  this  conference: 

Bishops: — 0. 

Ministers: — Jacob  Teats,  W.  Va.;  Daniel  Mellinger,  Winchester,  Va.; 
IRobert  L.  Smith,  Rich  Mountain,  W.  Va.;  Peter  S.  Heatwole,  Dale  Enterprise, 
Va.;  J.  Snively  Martin,  Dayton,  Va.;  J.  Early  Suter,  Harrisonburg,  Va.;  Etter 
F.  Heatwole,  Waynesboro,  Va.;  Sem  S.  Weaver,  Mt.  Clinton,  Va.;  George 
Showalter,  Broadway,  Va.;  Edw.  J.  Berkey,  Auburn,  Va.;  Elam  Horst,  Wolf- 
trap,  Va.— 11. 

Deacons: — Faro  Wilkins,  W.  Va.;  Osborne  Wyat,  Rich  Mountain,  W.  Va.; 
French  H.  White,  Job,  W.  Va.;  David  S.  Geil,  Linville,  Va.;  Jacob  Geil,  Lin- 
ville,  Va.;  Christian  Shank,  Singers  Glen,  Va.;  John  J.  Wenger,  Linville,  Va.; 
Henry  L.  Rhodes,  Auburn,  Va.;  Isaac  Grove,  Cave  Station,  Va.;  Fred  A. 
Driver,  Waynesboro,  Va.;  Eli  Kauflfman,  Wolftrap,  Va.;  Benjamin  Brenna- 
man,  Mohea,  Va.;  Clayton  Bergey,  Fentress,  Va. — 13. 

Total  number  of  Bishops,  Ministers  and  Deacons  24. 

For  all  members  of  conference — Grand  Total — 52. 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 


115 


INDEX 


A    Biographical    Sketch,     12 

A    Glance    in    Retrospect,    11 

Acknowledgements,    39,    58,    65 

Adminstering    Oaths,    43 

Administrators   bringing    Suit,    44,    101 

Amusements,    20 

Applicants,    Instruction   of,    38,    39,   41,    53. 

Arbitrations,    35,    39 

Announcements,    43 

A    Resolution    Corrected,    24,    39 

Arranging    Committees,    36,    44 

Anointing   with    Oil,    3    7 

Admonitions,     35 

A    Resolution   Amended,    24,    60 

A    Letter    Read,    35 

A  Duty  of  Deacons,  25 

Absent    Members    of    Conference,    45,    114 

Amended   Resolutions,    32,    107 

Affirmations,   90 

Assessment    Blanks,    44 

Attendance  at  Conference,  45 

Annual    Instruction    Meetings,    65 

Administrator's    Suits    Repealed,    101 

Ascension     Day     Services,     113 

Almshouses,   Members   at,    112 

Bishops,   who   to   unite   in    marriage,    88 

Bequests,  how  to  make,  69 

Bread   for  the   Sacrament,   41 

Banning,    27,   49 

Baptism,    35 

Business    of    Conference,    36 

Breaking    Bread,    33 

Bishops    with    Arranging    Committee,    61 

Bible    Readings,    60 

Benediction,    Posture    of,    49 

Birthday    Presents,    41 

Birthday    Parties,    41 

Badges,   Wearing   of,    57 

Brethren  who  refuse  to  go  into  the  lot,  29,  44 

Brethren  with  hats  on  at  funerals,   57 

Building   and    Loan    Associations,    63 

Bible   Conferences,   82 

Biographical    Sketch,    12 

Compiler's   Preface,   3 

Conference    Dinners,    84 

Calls  for  Bishop,   18,  21,  37,  45,  SO,  51,  92. 

Calls  for  Minister,   18,    19,  20,   24,  29,   30,   31, 

32,    etc. 
Calls  for   Deacon,    18,    19,   20,   25,   29,   33,   34, 

37,  etc. 
Certificates  for   Members,    19,   34,   94 
Certificates  for  Ministers,  74 


Complaints  at  Counsel  Meeting,  19> 

Civil    Offices,    26,    112 

Complaints  to  Bishops,  39 

Close    Communion,    28 

Conformity    among    the    Brethren,    86,    90' 

Conference   Officials,   how   chosen,   52,    113 

Candidates   for   Minister   or   Deacon,   58,   69 

Conference,   held  public  or  private,   28,  29 

Christmas     Day     Services,     113 

Customs   at   Funerals,   32    ,57,   61,    71 

Church   Statistics,    34 

Choosing  Arbitrators,   39 

Conference    Sermon,    108 

Collections,    37,    44 

Conference    Minutes,    36,    40,    61,    112 

Conventions,    Political,    41 

Cause   for   putting   away   a  wife,   41 

Conducting    Fairs,    42 

Committees   appointed,   81 

Coffins,   Price  of  for  poor  members,  44 

Communing   with   other    Denominations,    44 

Combing   and    cutting   the    hair,    50 

Converts,   how  and  when  instructed,   38,  41,  S3 

Church   in    Frederick   Co.,   Va.,   86,   96 

Church  in   Fauquier  Co.,  Va.,   55,   77 

Church    in    West    Virginia,   63,   85,    101 

Church  in   Warwick   Co.,   Va.,   71,   83,   112 

Church   in    Norfolk   Co.,   Va.,    92,    112 

Church    in    Halifax    Co.,    Va.,    90 

Church   in    Kno.x    Co.,    Tenn.,    112 

Counsel   Meetings,   50 

Careless    Members,    48,    65 

Call   Sessions    of   Conference,    45,    56 

Conference   Meetings,    25,    32 

Corrected   Mistakes  in   Conf.   Minutes  40,  61 

Croquet    Games,    40 

Claims   collected    by    law,    44 

Church   Publication   Board  appointment,   106 

Church   Board  of  Missions  appointment,   113- 

Debating    Societies,    36 
Difficulties   between    Brethren,   39 
Disorder   at    Communion,    57 
Distributing   Conference   Minutes,   61,    113 
Deacons   to   appoint   Mission   solicitors,   71! 
Duties    of    church    treasurers,    61 
Divorce   and    Remarriage,    41,    77 
Deputy  Tax-collector,   SO 
Doctor    Bills   for   poor    Members,    56- 
Dissension   in   the   Church,    13,   45 
Dinners    at    Conference,    84 
Drifting   into    Worldliness,    103 
Difference   between   expelled  and 
unexpelled     members,     105 


tl6 


■VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 


Eating  and   Drinking  unworthily,    71 

Erring    Hrethren,   27,   30 

Exhortations,   21 

Evils   in   the   Church,   28 

Error  in  former  Minutes,  24,   60 

Election    of    Conference    Officials,    45,    52 

Exhibiting  Goods  at   Fairs,  42 

Extension    of    the    Gospel,    51 

Evangelizing    Board,    53 

Exposing  the   Dead  at   Funerals,   86 

Expressing   Peace  at   Counsel   Meetings,   96 

Feetwashing,   Order  at  time   of,   34,   66 

Family    Worship,    19,    22,   27 

First   Work   of  Conference,   22 

Former    Resolutions,    31 

Former  Actions  re-considered,   32,   60 

Fairs,    42 

Fire    Insurance,    30,    82 

Festivals,    58 

Fashionable   Vehicles,    78 

Fashionable    watch    chains    and    charms,    78 

Flashy     Neckties,     78 

Fasting,   92 

General   welfare   of  the   church,    15 
General    Visits,    55 
Gloves,    wearing    at    funerals,    57 
Gay    colors    in    dress,    78 
General    Conference,    62,    99 
Government   Pensions,   83 
Good    Friday    Services,    113 
Glance   in    Retrospect,    1 1 
Gap    from    1835    to    1860,    15 

Hiring   Slaves,    20 

Homestead  Law,  26 

Home    Mission    Fund,    35 

How  to   help   careless  members,   48,   65,    71 

How    to    teach    our    doctrine,    68 

Hymn-Book    Conference,    45,    66 

Hymn-Book    Committees,    70 

Harvest    Meetings,    40,    50 

Home    Mission    Reports,    55 

Hold-over    Civil    Officers,    26 

Head-covering   in   time    of   prayer,    52 

Hauling    apples    to    distilleries,    55 

High    Collars,    78 

Holy   Kiss,   105 

Horse  Shows,   94 

Invitations    at    Funerals,    71 

Insurance    Companies,    32,    60,    74 

Invitations  to  our  Ministers,  38 

Inviting    members    of    other    churches,    76 

Indifferent    Members,    48,    65,    71 

Instructing  Converts   Openly,   53 

Indorsing   Notes,    62 

Instruction    Meetings  for   Membprs,   65 

Intoxicating    Liquors,    Tl 

Inviting  Strangers  Jo   Conference,   86 

Jamestown    Exposition,    94 

Lawn    Parties,    58 
Leavened    Bread,    41 
Law    Suits,    17         ,     ■  ■    ■ 


Loan    Associations,    63 

Life    Insurance,    24,    74 

Lesson    Helps,    56 

Leaving   Services    at    Feetwashing,    34,    64 

I,osses   by    Fire,   60,    74 

Members  not  at   Counsel   Meeting,   50 

Members  moving  to  other  districts,   19,  33,  60" 

Members   under   Censure,   48 

Members   marrying  out   of   Church,.  27,   88 

Members     in     Almshouses,     112 

ilembers   of    Conference    should   attend,   45 

Ministers    not    expecting   to   commune,    38 

Ministers    changing    location,     74 

Ministers    not    in    good    standing,    64 

Ministers    voting    in    counsel,    28 

Ministers   officiating   for   bishop,   28,    55,    77 

Mistakes    in    Conference    Minutes,    24,    60 

Mormon    Meetings,    not    to    announce,    70' 

Musical    Instruments,    32,    35 

Mustaches,   32,   57 

Mutual   Societies,   35 

Motions    in    Conference,    names    to,    68> 

Missionary    Fund,    38 

Matthew    18th    Chapter,    54 

Mennonite   Doctrine,   origin   of,   68' 

Marrying    First    Cousins,    47 

Marriage    Gifts,    51 

Marriage    Ceremonies,    24,    41,    69,    71' 

Mission    Work,    Plan   of,    71,.   ]i03 

Medal    Contests,    50 

]\loderators    Liected,    45,    48 

Middle    District    Trouble,    65 

No    Records,    IS,    18,    25,    26,    21,    il! 
Non-resistance,    36 
Non-conformity  to   the  World,  72 

Open    Communion,    32 

Open    Violations,    42,    78 

Offenders,    to    make    restitution,    38" 

Official    notice    of   suspension,    23 

Opening    Exercises,    35 

Objectionable    Clause    in    Minutes,    39 

Obscene    Matters,    47 

Ordinations   for    special    places,    67,    76> 

Order    at    Funerals,    58 

Order   at    Communion,    57,    64,    70,   83. 

Order  of   Feetwashing,  78,  91,  101 

Overseer   of   the    Poor,   61 

Offence  against  Conf.   Proceedings,  65 

Ordination    on    Probation,    71 

Organization    of    Sunday    Schools,    56 

Opening   churches   to  other   ministers,    103 

Old    People's   Home,   86 

Old    People's    Song    Service,    45 

Prayer,    21 

Provisions    for    the    Poor,    15,    84 

Pride,    20,    21,    30,    11,    54,    72 

Personal    Difficulties,    22 

Plain    Clothiiig,    37  •        . 

Publishing    Conference    Proceedings,    37 

Present   System   of   Conducting  Conference,   39 

Proceedings    of    Conference,    il,    39 

Publishing    Time    of    Conference,    43 

Publishing    Expelled   Members,   45 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE    MINUTES 


la 


Pall   Bearers,   57 

Picnics,   23,    58 

Piety    in    Church,    63 

Preaching   against    Conf.    Proceedings,    64 

Planting   churches   in   new   places,    51,   67 

Proxy   Votes,   69 

Preaching    on    Probation,    71 

Points   in   Confession   of   Faith,   47 

Petition    to    Conference,    51 

Prayer-head   Covering,   73,  80 

Pictures    on    Exhibition,    75 

Paying    Tithes,    94 

Doctors    forbidding    to    visit    the    sick,    99 

Proper    name    for    Feetwashing,    66 

Questions    with    scriptural    reference,    60 

Record   of   Members,    19 

Reporting  a  Thief,  24 

Reporting    Transgressors    of    the    Law,    91 

Report  of  Hymn-Book  Committee,   44 

Revival    Meetings,    27 

Rules   of    Conference,    35 

Restitution,   by   whom   made,    38 

Restored    Transgressors,    40 

Resolutions     Amended,     60 

Reclaimed   Members,   how   treated,   40 

Rebaptizing    Applicants,    21,    70 

Resolutions  to  R.  R.  Companies,  62 

Reading  Minutes   of  Conference,   37 

Reading  Rules  of  Conference,   55,   59,   etc. 

Rejecting   Improper   Votes,   58 

Rising  for  Benediction,  49 

Revival   Meetings,   27,    64 

Rejecting   Applicants,    n 

Reaching    the    Hair,    30,    80 

Register    of    Bishops,    4 

Register   of   Ministers,   4,    5,   6,   8 

Register   of   Deacons,    6,   7,   9 

Register    of    Deaconesses,    7 

Register  of  Singing   Clerks,   10 

Register    of    Moderators,    9 

Register  of  Secretaries,  9 

Record-less    Gap,    15 

Slavery,    20 

Singing   in    Churches,    18 

Single    Brother    for    Minister,    19,    34 

Suing    at    Law,    22,    23,    101 

Suspending  a  Member,  23 

Sunday    Schools,    24 

Shows,    Circuses,    etc.,    23,    58 

Stay    Law,    24 

Speaking   at    Feetwashing,    41 

Secret   Csocieties,   27,    46 

Swearing    of    Oaths,    30,    90 

Staying  from  Counsel   Meetings,   31,   SO,  94 

School    Exhibitions,    31 

Statements    by    Transgressors,    41 

Selling    Wine    and    Cider,    43 

Signing    Assessment    Blanks,    44 

Series    of    Meetings,    47,    60 

Shunning  the   Excommunicated,   27,    48,   49 

Standing  for   Benediction,   49 

Services   at   Home   of  the   Dead,   61 


Spiritual   condition  of  the   Church,   63 
Sunday    School    Conferences,     112 
Support    of    Foreign    Missions,    71 
Smoking   at    Church,   85 
Stationing  Minister  in  W.  Va.,   101 
Sale    of    Kernstown    Church,    96 

Time  of     Feetwashing,     41 

Time  of     Conference     Changed,     20 

Time  for    Minister    in    W.    Va.,    79 

Time  for    holding    Conference,    17,    22,    35 

Time  for    Fall    Conference,    33,    82 

The    Civil    War    Periou,     18 

The    Great    Freshet,    25 

The    Beard,    37 

The    Mustache,    41,    57 

Ten-pin    alley    Rolling,    40 

Transgressors    refusing    to    confess,    81 

Transgressors    changing   residence,    74 

Twentieth    Article    of    Confession 

of    Faith,    53 
Twenty-ninth    Article    of    Confession 

of    Faith,    48 
Trespassers  as  to  Matthew   18,   54 
Tobacco    habit    protested    against,    58 
Treasurers,   Duties   of,    61 
The   Lord's    Prayer,   when   to   use,   43 
The    New   Hymn-Book,    43,   45,   66 
The    Hymn-Book    Committee,    43,    70 
The  wearing  of  watch  chains  and  charms,   47 
The   Church   in   West   Virginia,   (^Z,  85,    101 
The  Middle  District  Trouble,   65 
Tithes,    94 

The    Liquor    Traffic,    9(>,    99 
Teachers   before    Sunday    school   class,   86,    108 

Use  of  the   Lord's   Prayer,  43  * 
Unequally   Yoked  with   Unbelievers,   70 
Unleavened    Bread,   91 
Unfermented    Wine,    19,    91 
Unfriendly    Suits   in    Law,    101 

Voting   politically,   22 

Visiting   weak   Churches,    23,    105 

Visiting    Saloons,    65 

Visiting   the    Sick,    16,   99 

Visiting    Members,     34,    52 

Visits,    annual,    55 

Vanities    disapproved,    23 

V^oting  for  minister  or  deacon,  58,  69 

Votes,    right    to    reject,    58,    69 

Visiting    doctor's    office    on    Sunday,    97 

Warnings,    29 
Wine  for  Communion,  38 
Wearing     Jewelry,     47 
Watch    Chains,    47,    78 
Watch    Charms,    47,    78 
Worldly   Conventions,    41 
Worldly    Fashion,     72 
Warwick    Congregation,    71,    83 
Written    Sermons,    49 
Weddings    in    our    Churches,    71 
Weddings   in   other    Churches,   85 

Young   People's    Meetings,    68 


tAl 


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WRITTEN  BY  MENNONITE  AUTHORS. 


LIGHTS  AND  SHADES  by  J.  A.  Ressler.  This  is  a  pictorial 
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of  the  natives.  It  contains  many  interesting  and  instructive  glimpses 
into  the  life  of  the  people  among  whom  our  missionaries  at  Dhamtari 
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Bound  in  cloth.     Postpaid,  50  cents. 

PATHS  TO  PERDITION  by  J.  E.  Hartzler.  In  a  very  interest- 
ing and  forceful  way  the  author  sets  forth  a  brilliant  array  of  data 
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find  its  way  into'  the  hands  of  young  people  who  are  in  that  period  of 
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KEY  TO  THE  ALMANAC  AND  THE  SIDEREAL  HEAVENS 
by  L.  J.  Heatwole.  This  book  helps  you  to  see  more  of  God's  glory 
and  better  understand  His  wonderful  works.  Contains  thirty  chapters. 
240  pages,  more  than  eighty  illustrations.  Over  four  hundred  sub- 
jects are  treated.  It  tells  about  the  History  of  Astronomy,  The 
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MORAL  TRAINING  IN  THE  PUBLIC  SCHOOLS  b*y  L.  J. 
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jects pertaining  to  the  School  Official,  Teacher  and  Pupils.  A  care- 
ful reading  of  it  is  sure  to  inspire  one  with  the  importance  of  a  proper 
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'^history  of  the  Men 


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